Sonya Trent-Pellom grew up in a little town in Fayette County, about 40 miles south of Columbus, but she’s carved out a identify for herself as a retailer of fantastic, world-wide preferences.
She started out Exquisite Wines & Cigars in 2013, first as a wine distribution corporation, but at some point she required extra. After building a name for herself with superior-conclusion occasions for corporate consumers and superstar galas, in 2020 Pellom ventured into packaging activities on the net. Though pursuing a license to offer wine, Pellom has turned to coffee, tea, wine glasses and other large-stop equipment. As soon as she opens a brick-and-mortar retail area, she’ll be able to add wine to the checklist of on the internet choices.
With 7 several years below her belt, the 51-calendar year-outdated entrepreneur wishes to share her adore of the finer factors with a much more numerous local community. She not long ago spoke with Columbus CEO, a sister publication to The Dispatch.
What about your enjoy of the finer issues in lifestyle?
Trent-Pellom: My grandmother taught me the relevance of look at an early age. Even while we were in a rural place — my superior faculty was practically in the middle of a corn discipline — getting a tomboy was unacceptable. She generally told us, you hardly ever know who you’re going to fulfill, so you want to current the globe with your best self when you can. The wine came culturally, way too. I grew up looking at my mom and my grandmother make wine. I often carried that with me.
The place do you imagine you get your entrepreneurial spirit?
Trent-Pellom: From my grandfather. He bought alcohol during Prohibition, but he was also a homebuilder and labored in the neighborhood mill. He put his entire self into his enterprises. He utilized to convey to me, your operate is an extension of who you are. And he taught me not to be fearful to are unsuccessful.
How did Exquisite get its start out?
Trent-Pellom: Exquisite commenced in 2013 as a wine distribution enterprise. I loved it at first — conference new persons and going to unique locations, to different wineries and doing all the things distributors do. And then we strike a specialized niche: We started accomplishing private functions for huge regulation companies and M/I Residences. When providers essential a present for an executive or they desired to host a personal bash for a recently developed luxury household, they would arrive to us. We’d have a wine bar and cigar desk, and anyone there to slice cigars for guests, and I’d offer you wine and cigar pairings dependent on the menu.
What do you imagine manufactured clients continue to keep coming back again?
Trent-Pellom: Some of your clientele are your purchasers mainly because they enjoy you and what you offer. You present a great vibe, and men and women will be captivated to that.
Why do you imagine it’s significant to share wine and other elements of culture with the Black local community exclusively?
Trent-Pellom: Wine has in no way been a component of the city placing and society. Every person drank Moscato, of program, and appropriate wines that did not involve a great palate. But we have some of the ideal wineries in Africa, South Africa especially, and it was critical for me to share that section of our tradition. With all of the items being uncovered, we have gotten absent from seeing the natural beauty. I desired to acquire art and culture and mix it into our neighborhood in a way that folks would accept it.
Chat about your recent enterprise into espresso.
Trent-Pellom: Throughout the pandemic, (non-public situations) snuffed out. Absolutely everyone is incredibly controlled and guarded. So in March, a mate of mine called from Ga. Her lover experienced just backed out of an financial commitment in a coffee and tea corporation, and she preferred to know if I would be interested.
All through this pandemic, nearly anything that you can do to make a customer’s life snug and fulfilling in their dwelling is heading to be a winner. Wine and cigars — which is the foundation, but you have to be equipped to go away your ease and comfort zone. Now we present 21 gourmand espresso flavors and 13 kinds of loose-leaf tea. We also retail for Zalto (German stemware) and Monin syrups.
What’s next for Exquisite?
Trent-Pellom: We’re seeking to open up a brick-and-mortar retail store. We previously have a place picked out. That would be the culmination of tough get the job done, learning and expertise. And it would signify a initially house for Beautiful. We plan to offer no cost art lessons for children twice per thirty day period, led by community artists. I also feel Exquisite will target on fashion, specifically apparel for women above 40.
You have been in organization now for seven years. What tends to make you most very pleased?
Trent-Pellom: Constructing. Making some thing stable. When I’m absent, my daughter can operate (the enterprise) with no challenge.
Virginia Brown is a freelance writer.
Sonya Trent-Pellom
Title: founder, Exquisite Wines & Cigars online cigar, espresso and tea retailer that’s pursuing a license as a wine retailer
Staff: 2
Earnings: Would not disclose
Site: exquisitewinesandcigars.com
