Gwen Hurt
~ Founder/CEO ~
"Shoe Crazy Wine"
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
rodneybranche@yahoo.com
Copa: Where are you from?
Gwen: New York City. We call ourselves borough kids, when you lived in more than one borough. In my case it was Harlem in Manhattan and Flatbush in Brooklyn.
Gwen: New York City. We call ourselves borough kids, when you lived in more than one borough. In my case it was Harlem in Manhattan and Flatbush in Brooklyn.
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Gwen: Lincoln University and Hong Kong University Executive Program.
Gwen: Lincoln University and Hong Kong University Executive Program.
Copa: At what time did you establish Shoe Crazy Wine and why?
Gwen: We launched Shoe Crazy Wine in Dec 2013. We pivoted twice since launch to create the company we have today, which is not only a wine brand but a wine distribution company.
Gwen: We launched Shoe Crazy Wine in Dec 2013. We pivoted twice since launch to create the company we have today, which is not only a wine brand but a wine distribution company.
Copa: How did you come across the name "Shoe Crazy Wine?"
Gwen: I made Chianti in my Kitchen from a wine making Kit . When I wanted to name it, my daughter said name it something you love. I loved and was crazy about shoes. I put Shoe Crazy Vintners on those bottles in 2007!
Gwen: I made Chianti in my Kitchen from a wine making Kit . When I wanted to name it, my daughter said name it something you love. I loved and was crazy about shoes. I put Shoe Crazy Vintners on those bottles in 2007!
Copa: Tell us all about yourself and what makes you 'tick.'
Gwen: I didn’t grow up under the easiest of circumstances. I was raised by a single mother and as the oldest girl was responsible for helping to raise my siblings. My mother was mostly illiterate, but found the strength to leave South Carolina and a physically abusive husband. She took us 4 kids, a few dollars and a can of pork and beans and headed north! My mother’s example and courage helped shaped the person I am today!Her journey taught me to keep faith and never give up. Sometimes, we had very little to eat and only 1 pair of shoes to wear for the whole year! Card board was our go to product. It repaired many a worn out shoe sole. As a kid, I always said, “One day I am going to have enough money to eat until my stomach is full and I am going to buy as many shoes as I want”!Thus, the shoe has always been very symbolic in my life. It is the base that supports us on our journeys! Eventually my mom learned to read and write and ultimately earned a Master’s Degree!
Prior to launching Shoe Crazy Wine.
Shoe Crazy is a wine company based in Chesterfield, launched in December of 2013 as an online direct to consumer business. We offer delectable varietals. The wines are available in Costco Walmart, Total Wine. Coast Guard Exchange and Navy Exchange regionally and several restaurants in the VA, NC, DC & MD markets
I worked for a Fortune 300 Tech Company. Built a Global Process and Controls organization and led a high performance, cross cultural team located in multiple geographic locations (The Americas, Asia, Western and Eastern Europe). During mytravelsI learned to appreciate a smooth glass of wine. I became enamored of the intricacies of wine. My new passion!
Gwen: I didn’t grow up under the easiest of circumstances. I was raised by a single mother and as the oldest girl was responsible for helping to raise my siblings. My mother was mostly illiterate, but found the strength to leave South Carolina and a physically abusive husband. She took us 4 kids, a few dollars and a can of pork and beans and headed north! My mother’s example and courage helped shaped the person I am today!Her journey taught me to keep faith and never give up. Sometimes, we had very little to eat and only 1 pair of shoes to wear for the whole year! Card board was our go to product. It repaired many a worn out shoe sole. As a kid, I always said, “One day I am going to have enough money to eat until my stomach is full and I am going to buy as many shoes as I want”!Thus, the shoe has always been very symbolic in my life. It is the base that supports us on our journeys! Eventually my mom learned to read and write and ultimately earned a Master’s Degree!
Prior to launching Shoe Crazy Wine.
Shoe Crazy is a wine company based in Chesterfield, launched in December of 2013 as an online direct to consumer business. We offer delectable varietals. The wines are available in Costco Walmart, Total Wine. Coast Guard Exchange and Navy Exchange regionally and several restaurants in the VA, NC, DC & MD markets
I worked for a Fortune 300 Tech Company. Built a Global Process and Controls organization and led a high performance, cross cultural team located in multiple geographic locations (The Americas, Asia, Western and Eastern Europe). During mytravelsI learned to appreciate a smooth glass of wine. I became enamored of the intricacies of wine. My new passion!
Copa: How would you describe your average customer?
Gwen: My average customer is a woman between the ages of 35 – 55. She is a wine drinker that appreciates a soft palate wine. This is most often a Blend or Sweet wine.
Gwen: My average customer is a woman between the ages of 35 – 55. She is a wine drinker that appreciates a soft palate wine. This is most often a Blend or Sweet wine.
Copa: What were you doing before you established "Shoe Crazy Wine?"
Gwen: I was an Executive at a Fortune 300 company. I built a Global Business Process and Controls organization with employees in several geographies (Americas, Asia, Western and Eastern Europe)
Gwen: I was an Executive at a Fortune 300 company. I built a Global Business Process and Controls organization with employees in several geographies (Americas, Asia, Western and Eastern Europe)
Copa: Where can our readers find your marvelous assortment of wine?
Gwen: Our wines are sold in VA, NC , MD , GA at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Total Wine and More, Andrews Joint Base , Coast Guard, Navy Exchanges, BK Millers and several other locations in Maryland. We’re also ship to 34 States online www.shoecrazywine.com
Gwen: Our wines are sold in VA, NC , MD , GA at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Total Wine and More, Andrews Joint Base , Coast Guard, Navy Exchanges, BK Millers and several other locations in Maryland. We’re also ship to 34 States online www.shoecrazywine.com
Copa: What is your philosophy on making a customer Happy?
Gwen: Deliver the best wine drinking experience at a great price.
Gwen: Deliver the best wine drinking experience at a great price.
Copa: What does the future hold for Gwen Hurt and her world of Wine?
Gwen: We will grow Shoe Crazy Wine into a brand that is sold nationally. We will hire in the communities that we serve and continue to support charitable organizations such as "Dress for Success."
Gwen: We will grow Shoe Crazy Wine into a brand that is sold nationally. We will hire in the communities that we serve and continue to support charitable organizations such as "Dress for Success."