Meet Krishna Chapatwala

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krishna Chapatwala a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Krishna with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

Growing up, I watched my parents work hard and often. Each morning, my father would leave early for work, coming home late, knowing that each day was was helping secure his family’s future. My mother balanced work and the household always finding ways to save, cut corners, and make every penny count. There were times when they passed on vacations or new clothes so they could put more into savings or set aside money for her education. They weren’t just planning for the present; they were thinking ahead. Each decision—whether it was skipping the latest gadget or cooking meals at home—was part of a bigger goal. Watching them build towards that future made me realize how far hard work, persistence, and careful planning could go.

It wasn’t just about the money; it was the discipline behind it. My parents showed me that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s the result of day-in, day-out effort. And now, running my own business, I carry that same ethic forward. Every decision I make at Wine Shoe, whether selecting wines for our club members or organizing events, reflects those early lessons: to work hard, plan well, and always keep an eye on the future.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Krishna, and I’m the owner of Wine Shoe, a boutique wine shop and tasting room in Downtown Atlanta. We specialize in small-production wines from family-owned vineyards across the globe, with a commitment to showcasing diverse labels, including woman-owned, black-owned, and organic wines. What excites me most about Wine Shoe is the opportunity to introduce people to unique, thoughtfully crafted wines that tell a story. We pride ourselves on offering an elevated experience for our guests, with a focus on education, curation, and personalized service. Currently, we’re planning some new tasting events for the Holiday season including a Bubbly Tasting and an Italian Wine & Food Tasting that features 5 Italian wines we are enjoying, each paired with a small bite. With each bottle we sell and each tasting we host, my ambition is to foster a community of wine enthusiasts who share our passion and curiosity.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are determination, drive, and adaptability. Determination has helped me stay focused through the challenges of building a personal chef business and then Wine Shoe, from navigating the complexities of sourcing small-production wines to growing a customer base. My drive pushes me to constantly improve, whether it’s through furthering my wine knowledge or creating unique, engaging experiences for our guests. While running the wine shop business and its day-to-day operations, I studied for and passed my WSET Level 2 exam with distinction. Adaptability has been key, especially in an ever-changing market. I’ve learned to pivot when necessary, whether it’s responding to shifting customer preferences or finding creative ways to keep our business thriving during difficult times. During the pandemic, we offered tastings with private groups, maintaining social distancing to allow guests to participate in wine tasting experiences. My journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, showing them that with dedication and hard work, dreams can indeed come to fruition.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

When I was young, my family and I were granted visas to come to America. My parents made the bold decision to leave their family and friends in India and move our family to America. Initially, they worked odd jobs just to make ends meet. Eventually, both of my parents secured employment that paved the way for their future business ownership. They were willing to work long hours and overtime so that my sister and I could have the opportunities they didn’t—so we could live the American dream. They sacrificed their own comfort and security to give us a better life, ensuring we had access to good education and the chance to succeed. Their perseverance showed me true dedication and inspired my own drive to work hard and pursue goals with the same unwavering commitment they exemplified.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wineshoeatlanta.com
• Instagram: Wine Shoe
• Facebook: WineShoeAtlanta
• Yelp: Wine-Shoe-Atlanta