Today we’d like to introduce you to Nini Hooks.
Hi Nini, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
So first, I’m a family woman. Being a mom and wife is my favorite title! I’m a bereaved mom to a cancer warrior princess, as well as another beautiful little girl and baby boy. My oldest daughter passed away in April of 2019. It was a long journey for us and a seriously life changing event. As a result, we founded a non-profit called “Hooks ‘N Jabs” where we help families who are enduring Childhood Cancer obtain necessary resources. However, while in the process of healing, I’ve just been trying different things for myself and seeing what sticks or what I love. Just as I was blogging and writing, I started to try different wines.
Now, I like to call myself a Certified Wine Appreciator. I’ve come to know and love so much about wine over time. This is because wine is something that I’ve always enjoyed with my friends and relatives. I’m always open to trying new things, and wine is such an adventurous subject. You can literally experience so many different parts of the world by drinking wine from particular regions. Something that I noticed about my community and culture is that we drink wine just to drink it. We don’t explore the differences in the brands, regions that they are made, wine types or varietals, or even what meal or experience it pairs well with. So because of this, I started taking more wine classes and certifications and then started curating my own wine tasting events to teach people what I’m learning. I’d noticed that there weren’t a lot of people of color in the wine industry, as influencers, as winemakers, etc. I’m creating a brand that will break down that barrier. I want to take the snobbery out of wine and help people have dope wine experiences.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Of course, I’ve struggled with my own mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD as a result of losing my daughter and her cancer journey. There were also the insecurities of not feeling good enough to pursue the opportunities that I’m creating for myself and my family. There were, and still are, many obstacles that I’ve faced, such as time (and lack thereof!), my unconventional household dynamic (two married creative entrepreneurs with awesome children is something you don’t see often), and even this recent pandemic. Not to mention, the wine world seems intimidating and is A LOT TO LEARN! I have to be honest and say that these drawbacks almost took me out! I felt like giving up so many times, but thanks to my husband and children, I have plenty of motivation to keep going. We are surrounded by so much love and support that we owe it to our village to persevere.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am THE WINE TASTING GURU! I specialize in creating dope wine experiences and connecting people who have a love for wine or just a love for connections. I’m most proud of my leap of faith into the wine industry! As snobby and as intimidation as the wine world can be, especially for women of color, I am one of the ones who is willing to take that challenge, looking to use the platform that I create for other women of color. I just want people to drink wine and have fun while learning about what they’re drinking and why!
People can book me for wine tastings or as a wine tender for their events such as bachelorette parties, housewarmings, corporate events, fundraisers, and anything in-between.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My ability to overcome obstacles is one of my best qualities. There’s a quote from Elenor Roosevelt that I love! She says, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ Don’t get me wrong, things have gotten hard! I still have days where I just don’t want to show up, I don’t want to do anything, and I feel down. The best way to surmount those feelings and continue to my journey to success is to allow myself to feel them. Yes, I allow myself to have those days and let them pass. Then, I get up and press on!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@sipswithnini.com
- Website: sipswithnini.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ninihooks_
