Andrea McBride grew up in New Zealand thinking she was the only child; little did she know she had a sister living on a different continent. In 1999, the sisters met and instantly bonded over their passion for wine and sustainability. In 2010 they started eco.love Wines, the first wine company to be founded by African American sisters, to launch on a digital platform, and to be made in the first carboNZero Cert™ Winery in the world. The brand launched online using a completely digital platform in November 2010 and gained national distribution within its first year.
MyCity4Her discussed Andrea’s experiences and business thoughts in our latest Q&A 4Her interview. She tells us about the wine industry, advice she has for other women in business, and more. Read on for her interview!
Did you ever imagine yourself achieving what you have?
Did I ever think I would own a company, making delicious wines, with a sister who I didn’t know existed (until 13), that grew up on the other side of the planet from me? Ha ha no. But I knew given the opportunity, at the right time, in the right situation, together we could excel and do something special. What it was, just reveled itself with more experiences and skills we gained along the way.
What in hindsight would you say you underestimated about your industry or business and why?
“Snail Pace” – how long it takes to get a product to market. For whatever reason our industry is extra slow and just because you work at hyper speed, doesn’t mean all the other players and contributors to your product do, so you have to plan for that and build in the extra time.
What is the best business related advice you have ever been given?
“Never underestimate the power of your own instinct”.
What do you love most about what you do and why?
The free wine – just kidding! What’s special is we take these little berries full of unique flavors, that are derived from soils and climate that have taken million of years to develop into the perfect growing regions, and make SUPER delicious wines that are often a catalyst for human connection, experiences and celebrations. But that’s not the best part, even though it’s extra cool! Our wines represent who we are as women, sisters, entrepreneurs and business owners and we have been embraced for that. All these things combined, make us LOVE what we do!
What if you knew then what you know now – would you do differently and why?
I wouldn’t change anything or do anything differently. The hick ups, mistakes are all apart of the process along the path towards doing something great! Without them, your not forced to be your best you.
When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?
Partying, travelling, eating, drinking, meeting new people
How do you define success?
Happy & healthy …… anything else is a bonus.
If you had to share one final thought with our audience of thousands of women in business – what would it be?
“A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her”. (Quote from somewhere on the web)