Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Robles.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was pregnant and looking for a fun side hustle to make some more money for maternity leave. I came across Traveling Vineyard and knew it was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I already loved wine, so when I saw that I could get paid for my love of fermented grapes, I was ready! A Wine Guide does free five bottle wine tastings and helps people order the perfect bottle.
I signed up and immediately started building my wine business. I made some wine friends along the way and started grabbing people’s attention. Ashley The Winosaur became my image and brand on social media. I did more than just have extra money for maternity leave, I created a pretty steady second income stream.
I continue to build my business even now after having my son. I have people on my team, loyal customers, and my calendar stays booked with wine tastings. I have Winosaur shirts that I give to the other Wine Guides in my business group (Team Winosaur).
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Figuring out how to post on social media often and blog and create captivating content can be a struggle sometimes. A lot of people who find my business find me on social media. For me, it’s important to keep everything up to date and provide valuable information to people.
Using apps and programs that auto-post to your pages is a big help. And just being yourself is the best piece of advice I can give. Don’t try to be like every other ‘content creator’ or ‘influencer’ you see online. Being yourself is what makes you different from everyone else and THAT is what people want to see. Don’t blog about things you don’t care about and don’t spend an hour trying to thing of a witty IG caption!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ashley The Winosaur – Traveling Vineyard Wine Guide – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m an Independent Wine Guide for Traveling Vineyard. That means I get to have my own wine tasting business. People contact me to be a Host; they invite their friends and family for a free wine tasting. I bring five bottles of wine and teach the tasting techniques and other fun wine info. Guests and the Host earn rewards towards discounted and free wine and accessories.
I provide all of the glassware and handouts. Before the event, I let the Host know what little foods and snacks they can prepare that will pair perfectly with each wine I bring. At the end of the event, guests order the wines they loved. There is always someone for everyone – I bring two whites, two reds, and one sweet dessert wine.
People can also just order wine from my website or contact me personally.
I love taking pictures at my events and trying all the wines! People seem to enjoy the silly pics I post of myself enjoying my wine a bit too much 😉
What sets Traveling Vineyard apart from others is the fact that you can’t buy our wines from any store and everything you order ships directly to your door! The wines come from around the world and some are even award winners. There’s also a bi-monthly wine subscription that people can sign up for.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
One thing I love about what I do is the fact that it’s ok for me to be a mom and do this. A big barrier that people see about female leadership sometimes is just being able to be a mom. People might see it as a lack of dedication to your business because you take time off or take a step back to focus on your kids. With my wine business, I can work as little or as much as I want and don’t feel like I have to choose between being a mom and being a businesswoman.
Pricing:
- Almost all bottles are between $14-$25
- The 5 wine tasting bottles are always free
- Earn free and discounted wine and accessories by attending a wine tasting
- Start your own wine business for $99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wineguide.life/Robles
- Email: RoblesWineGuide@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ashleythewinosaur
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ashleythewinosaur
- Other: www.ashleythewinosaur.com
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