Today we’d like to introduce you to Deniece Bourne.
Hi Deniece, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Honestly, I fell into wine. As a child, I ‘dreamed’ of becoming a Pediatrician. Still, through the years, I studied two interests/disciplines – foreign languages and biology. I dabbled in some business roles, enjoying and thriving in them, though I needed true connection and focus during my graduate Management studies. I ‘fell’ into wine, taking a much-needed job as a Sales Representative. During that year, I fell in love and hard! Back then, it was love of the lifestyle- I was being paid to drink and socialize (which I always tell people is my job)! Then, a colleague and I got the nerve to capitalize on an opportunity, and with numerous investors (15 plus us), we became business owners. Those ten years managing a Wine & Beverage Import/Distribution Company were life-defining and life-changing. With time, knowledge, and experience, my ‘puppy love’ grew into a deep respect and true passion for wine!
Each new day was exciting, scary, fun, and anxiety-inducing, and I loved it! Great business relationships were forged, some lifelong friendships developed, and wine (along with great food!) was at the heart of everything. Unfortunately, that business closed after a never-ending rollercoaster of wins and losses and a heart-breaking betrayal (among other challenges). This catalyzed my return to NYC and the much-desired opportunity to ‘expand my wine horizons.’ I ‘lucked’ into a Business Development role at the globally recognized Wine & Spirits Education Trust, further fostering my pursuit of wine (& spirits) knowledge. My love for wine and the global industry exploded (along with a growing enthusiasm for spirits), as did my network of colleagues, business opportunities, and skill set, which includes becoming a WSET Certified Wine and Spirits Educator. This set the stage for my current venture, Savoir Global, an organization built on purpose and of service to the industry that fuels me and the region that fostered me.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have faced numerous challenges like everyone else (and certainly all entrepreneurs). I chose a career in an industry that is not considered a real profession within black communities (to this day, most of my family still don’t understand what I do). There were challenges in getting the funding necessary for our first business. And once we became business owners (me at 23), many of our investors and potential clients often questioned my capabilities. I theoretically understood how to build and manage a business, but there was concern about my lack of experience. And that, along with the 2008 global financial crisis, meant it was quite an uphill battle to do so. I thought I was building a business, but it was building me, stretching my skillsets and competencies, and testing my patience and endurance. Many mistakes, poor decisions, and risks were taken- some brought fantastic results, and others caused pain. The business’ eventual closure broke me, and the months leading up to and after were hard and dark. These are just some of the challenges I experienced in my journey thus far, and I know they will never stop coming. What’s important is that I overcame them all with faith and strength, resilience and perseverance, and support from the right people at the right time. Ultimately, as a dear friend recommended, I changed my perspective from ‘Why is this happening to me?’ to ‘What am I meant to learn from this experience?’ Experience has taught me to analyze and stress-check every decision I make. It has also taught me to keep checking in with my heart and intuition to ensure I consistently align with my purpose.
We’ve been impressed with Savoir Global LLC, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Savoir Global will help me realize (one of) my heart’s greatest desires- to have the world recognize that the Caribbean is not only the ultimate destination for sea, sun, and sand but also for dynamic and eclectic wines and spirits’ experiences that pair fantastically with breathtaking sunsets and diverse culinary delights! Our mission is to elevate the wine and spirits experience for visitors and locals alike, first, by presenting a carefully curated portfolio of quality wines and spirits from around the world to countries and island territories across the Caribbean. These products showcase rich histories and heritage, a sense of place and style, and conscientious craftsmanship without compromising quality or environmental sustainability! Second, as knowledge seekers and sharers, Savoir Global offers wine and spirits education through accredited certifications and bespoke courses, instilling confidence and savoir-faire in professionals and delighting and exciting enthusiasts. Our educational services are available in New York City and the USA.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I do not believe in ‘luck,’ good or bad. I have two contradicting thought processes on this. On the one hand, I have been ‘lucky in life’ and business. On the other hand, I firmly believe in ‘luck’ as stated by Oprah Winfrey: “I believe luck is preparation for meeting opportunities. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been ‘lucky.'” My not-so-smooth road has prepared me for where I am right now. From my ‘random’ selection of studies through the myriad professional roles I have undertaken and the skills and competencies I acquired and practiced within them. Each rise and fall, each blessing and challenge, all happened at the right time and in the right way to prepare me for the life I am currently experiencing. I look forward to every new day and the blessings and challenges that will come to continue preparing me for where I will be in the future!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tastesavoir.com
- Instagram: @deniecebourne
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deniecembourne/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniecembourne/
- Other: www.deniecebourne.com
Image Credits
Clay Williams Photography, Clothesline Photography
