Charlene Meriwether, a former educator, is the CEO of Wild Woman Wine. Having accomplished her goals in her previous career, Charlene and her husband were looking for a business opportunity, wanting a change of pace. It was on a trip to Texas that the pair was inspired, and so Wild Woman Wine was born. Keep reading to uncover Charlene’s journey to business ownership.
Name
Charlene Meriwether
Age
62
Location
Denver, Colorado
Current Title
CEO and Chief Wild Woman
Education
Master’s Degree in Education Management
Let’s start from the beginning. What prompted you to start Wild Women Wine?
My husband and I were looking for a business opportunity and saw this concept in Texas. We had accomplished what we were happy with in our previous careers and wanted a new challenge
What did you do before owning your own business? What did you like or dislike about your prior career?
I was a teacher, then school administrator, then education consultant. I felt that I had accomplished everything I wanted to in that career and wanted a different kind of challenge.
What steps did you take to prepare for your business launch? How did you know you were ready?
Researching the business in general, setting up a Responsibility Matrix to determine who was in charge of each facet of the business, visited wineries and looked for ways to set ourselves apart Are you ever really ready to jump down a rabbit hole? We just jumped!
What is the most rewarding part of running your own company?
I enjoy the challenges and the creativity in changing the business as it grows
What has been the biggest learning curve or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
Finding enough time to do everything I want and need to do AND have a personal life away from the business
Do you have any advice for other future lady bosses considering making their side hustle or passion projects their full-time reality and career?
Every day there will be a challenge or a problem. Be prepared to deal with those without getting overwhelmed or frustrated or afraid. It comes with the territory.
We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look/style?
I appreciate comfort, comfort, comfort!
FUN FACTS
One thing about me that may surprise people is…
I love to write and someday will write a book
My dream vacation is…
Any beach, anywhere
My all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…
Right now I LOVE Elizabeth Gilbert. Reading her book, The Big Magic about leading a creative life
Thank you to Charlene for chatting with us about her journey and giving all of us future #SheShines women out there an extra push toward our passions. It can be scary to make the jump and dive into the unknown that is entrepreneurship, but in the end, it’s worth it. Check back in next month for another #SheShines feature!
