We were lucky to catch up with Lorna Daniel-Dupree recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lorna, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I have always believed that my work ethic stems from a combination of factors, with my parents being the primary source of inspiration. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication and hard work my parents put into their own ventures as entrepreneurs. They instilled in me the importance of persistence, determination, and a strong work ethic.
They taught my brother and me that hard work-elbow grease as my Dad used to say- is the key to achieving one’s dreams. If you want something done, do it. You are the only one that can hold yourself back in this life.
Additionally, a particular encounter left a lasting impact on my life. During a 5 day, wildlife, hiking safari, I had the opportunity to meet a game ranger who shared a valuable piece of wisdom with me. He said, “You can try and fail, but you should never fail to try.” This simple yet profound statement resonated deeply with me.
The words reinforced the importance of taking risks and not being afraid of failure. He emphasized that actual failure lies in not making an attempt at all. I was 15 at the time and this perspective shifted my mindset and encouraged me to approach challenges with a resilient and proactive attitude. It taught me to embrace failure as a stepping stone towards growth and to persevere even when faced with setbacks.
Combining these lessons I have developed a strong work ethic that drives me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I believe that success is not just about talent or luck; it is about putting in the effort, staying committed, and continuously pushing my boundaries to deliver my best and exceed expectations.
I am grateful to my parents for being incredible role models and to the wise strangers we meet in our life who can impart profound, life-changing wisdom.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have chosen to focus on an entrepreneurial career. Currently working as a freelancer in the film industry, my role as a camera assistant allows me to work on a diverse range of projects, including reality TV shows, movies, and commercials. This freelance lifestyle provides me with the flexibility I need to pursue my true passion, which is helping grow Stellies Wines.
Being a freelancer in the film industry is similar to being an entrepreneur because, like a business, I have to actively seek out opportunities and clients. Essentially, I am my own business, responsible for finding work and delivering exceptional results. This experience has prepared me well for the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
My primary focus now is on growing Stellies Wines into a nationally recognized company. Our goal is to supply delicious South African wines directly to consumers, restaurants, and other stores. It’s an exciting journey filled with small achievements that bring us closer to our greater goal. Just a couple of days ago, we received the fantastic news that one of our products was rated a 90 by Wine Enthusiast, indicating it as “excellent.” This recognition motivates us and reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional wines. We are awaiting the results of further ratings.
I believe in the power of our brand, the quality of our products, and the potential for success. It’s a thrilling venture to build something from the ground up, and I am constantly inspired by the progress we make every day. I am confident that with dedication, hard work, and a passion for what we do, Stellies Wines will become a nationally recognized name in the industry.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three skills I believe will help anyone are: Determination. Patience. Research. If you stay determined you will get over any hurdles put in your way. This goes hand in hand with patience because sometimes you need to take a deep breath, slow down and figure out what the next steps are going to be before you can move forward. Nothing ever goes to plan so you have to be ready to adapt. You can also never do enough research. Keep feeding your mind and growing your knowledge in the industry or business you want to pursue. Knowledge helps let you make informed decisions.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We would love to collaborate with people and businesses who are in the wine industry. We are looking into different distributors around the country who can help us supply to States with stricter alcohol laws. We are also always looking for collaborations with influencers, podcasters, and spokespeople to help promote our products and our mission of educating people about South African wines.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stellieswines.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/stellieswines
- Facebook: facebook.com/stellieswines/
Image Credits
Images: Lorna Rae Photography; Patrick Dupree; Larissa Costa-Evans Photography
