How to grow a business as a Sommelière, writer and mother
«I try to make wine more accessible and easier to understand.»Quote by Shirley A.
How did you discover your passion for wine?
«The tradors – they guys I was working with – were always talking about wine and suddenly I realized that I prefer talking about wine instead of money or business. Therefore I decided to do the Sommèliere School while I was still working at the bank.»
How did you start working with wine after you’ve finished the Sommelière School and quit your job at the bank?
«I had the luck to start at the «Hiltl» - the oldest vegeterian restaurant in the world. This job has opened up a lot of career opportunities. At the same time, I had a photoshooting with the «Annabelle Magazine». I noticed that they are not writing about wine at all so I’ve suggested them to publish a column about wine. They liked the idea and I’ve got the chance to write for them as a wine-journalist.»
Where are your favorite wines from?
«I fancy French wines and champagne! I prefer the white wine from Burgundy and the red wine from Bordeaux. I also love Swiss wine – espacially the white wine. I’m a big fan of Martin Donatsch! South Africa has great wines as well like Malbec. I like various types of wine but if I’d have to stick to one wine for the rest of my life, it’d be super dry champagne!»
You’ve got a special talent – opening Champagne bottles with a kitchen knife! When did you do that for the first time?
«I think the first time I’ve tried it was while I still was at the Sommelière School. I’ve read that Napoleon is popping his bottles this way all the time. Instead of using a sword like him, I took a kitchen knife.»
You’ve told us that you’ve got two children. How do you do all that? Looking after your kids, the house and being successful as an entrepreneur?
«Organization is everything! Besides – I love to do the housekeeping. I really enjoy cleaning and find it even relaxing. I don’t mind doing it.»
You’ve mentioned that «organization and planning is everything». Do you have any recommendations on how to organize better?
«I still have a paper-agenda and all my appointments are written down in that oldschool paper-planner. Also, I find it very important not to be afraid of asking for help. I couldn’t do all this without the help of my mother in law. On top of that, I’ve got the best babysitters!»
How does your work-life balance work out?
«In my eyes there is no need for something like a work-life balance as I love my job so much. As an entrepreneur you always have your head or your mind set on your business. It’s a passion and not only a job so I find the balance within.»
What in your opinion is a good mum?
«That is a big question! The question itself already implies that there is a «good» and a «bad» mum. I think what a «bad» mum is, is quite clear.
I guess a mum does her job pretty well when she can see that her kids are happy and love her – that they talk to her like talking about their problems and asking her for advice – when she can see that they trust her!»
Traveling, Working and still being a good mum?
«I think speaking of being an entrepreneur, a mum and a wife – it’s good to live your own life as well and have something to talk about when you come home. We don’t need to stick around together all the time. My kids are never alone at home. They have a father so they are in good hands when I’m away for work.
What can you recommend to entrepreneurs that want to become a mum?
«You should try to have a baby, if you really feel like you want to have one. A baby doesn’t mean that you’re stuck at home. It’s all organization and asking for helping hands.»