Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Crim
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The concept of Eau Du Vin came to me while pregnant with my daughter, Colette. After working in the wine industry for almost 2 decades in retail, distribution and teaching as a Certified Wine Educator, I became frustrated that I had to press pause on not only my career, but also my passion for the world of wine, blind tasting techniques, viticulture and enological studies. I knew there was no way I was the only person on the planet to ever experience this sentiment.
After searching endlessly, I discovered there were not any relevant products on the market to-date that accurately captured terroir, the romance of viticulture or expressed the true essence of wine varieties by showcasing the top classic aromas a grape species is academically recognized for worldwide. This realization sparked a fire in my heart to develop methods to enjoy wine ‘in different ways,’ or ‘outside of the glass.’
We spent one whole year in a state of Research & Discovery, which included choosing the perfect suppliers, product containers, closures, functionality, product efficiency, blending ratios, a ton of chemistry, emulsification, setting up product labs with liquid dispensary capabilities, selecting top performing bases for our Fragrance Collections, designing labels for all SKUs, obtaining government issued barcodes… amongst many other things.
Eau Du Vin participated in over 50 local Georgia festivals during this time to learn our customer base, generate immediate income, discover our demographics across multiple zip codes and simply iron out the wrinkles and apply all feedback (good or bad) to improve every aspect of our products and business methods.
It was an extremely humbling process and sometimes backbreaking with blood sweat and tears. We stayed focused and bootstrapped, supporting our team without abandoning ship. Our first year was nothing short of priceless and taught us more than we could have ever imagined.
Today, approximately 800 fragrance combinations have been blended and narrowed down to Eau Du Vin’s current portfolio of 15 wine varieties and grape growing regions, with more in the pipeline. We borrowed the noses of Atlanta’s top Certified Wine Professionals, Certified Sommeliers and seasoned wine educators for this process to help accurately identify each wine varietal in its truest form. We are grateful for the Atlanta Wine Community and blown away at the level of knowledge and talent in our hometown.
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?
As the saying goes, the road to success is always under construction. I believe that maintaining a healthy and positive mindset is a paramount factor.
In the beginning, the guaranteed learning curves can be persuasive enough to throw you off course and encourage feelings of defeat or self-doubt; however, if you can train yourself to always remember that all challenges are only temporary — that tough times don’t last but tough people do — you will preserver and move forward while applying what you learned. Solve problems big or small, don’t run from them (like tennis, hit the ball then stay ready for the next). Rip up the playbook. Recogize that obstacles are part of the process and not letting them ruin your mission. Show gratitude and work hard. Take criticism gracefully. Success takes time…. If you believe in yourself, believe in what you are building and never (ever) give up, you will be limitless and reach your goals. There is no better bet to make… then on yourself.
Start small, think BIG, grow fast. Accept change and learn to pivot. Understand that the only way to fail is to give up. So keep going. That’s it.
We’ve been impressed with EAU DU VIN, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Eau Du Vin is a local Atlanta business that celebrates wine culture by capturing the true character and essence of the world’s finest wine varieties and wine growing regions in a line of home and body fragrance collections.
As the Founder, I take a personal approach to all orders by focusing on building strong, lifelong relationships one at a time. By putting yourself in your customers shoes every step of the way, it not only builds a strong foundation for Eau Du Vin for future growth but it strengthens the trust and integrity of the brand, as well.
The mission behind Eau Du Vin is to craft high-quality, affordable and intentional products that create a unique, fun way to enjoy wine outside of the vineyard, while applying the ancient history of the wine world into everyday household commodities. Our brand provides a really cool yet sophisticated way to make wine approachable.
We are proud to be an all women-owned business comprised of real Certified Wine Educators. By using only the highest quality ingredients, product bases and proprietary fragrances, our fragrance collections are all organic, eco-conscious, sustainably-sourced, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, 100% vegan and every supplier we work with is located in the U.S.A.
Philanthropy has always been at the forefront for Eau Du Vin. We donate a portion of every sale to Charity Water and Atlanta Mission. These nonprofit organizations provide clean water, food and services to people experiencing homelessness and resource insecurities around the world.
Through supporting these two organizations, we are able to impact the lives of others in need both globally and locally here in Atlanta. Like throwing a stone in a pond and watching the rings grow from small to big, every sale made by Eau Du Vin allows customers to pay it forward. The ability to help people help others indirectly fills us with love and ambition to continue working hard, remain resilient and strengthens our greater purpose in building healthy and safe communities.
Today, Eau Du Vin is available online and in over 150 specialty stores, markets, boutiques, wineries, tastings rooms, wine shops and elevated grocers across the United States.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
While building Eau Du Vin from the ground-up, I would set appointments with individuals who’s feedback I sincerely valued. It is OK to ask questions or ask for guidance (secret: no one makes it alone). All feedback is great feedback, good or bad. It provides room for growth while illuminating new routes to consider or ideas just waiting to be uncovered.
Discovering what needs to be fixed or what should never change are worth their weight in gold. Additionally. I strongly recommend the good old-fashioned method of trusting your gut. Follow your instincts- we have them for a reason.
If there are local networking events relavent to your goals- sign up and buy the ticket. Put yourself in rooms with people who would be your classic customers, or who have previously built/sold/invested in businesses. If you learn one thing, it was 100% worth it.
Another great option is to offer/donate company gift baskets to corporations or local events for their silent auctions or raffle offerings. Research events near you and be proactive — send an email with product images or call. Intentionally choose events that align with your demographic. This offers great exposure which leads to new customers and overall brand recognition.
Success is often built on relationships and introductions. My biggest mentor (Mr. Chris) ended up living one street over from my family home, who has helped me in countless ways from learning how to navigate launching and building a brand, overcoming obstacles, how to prepare for big meetings and literally everything in between. I don’t know where I would be without his guidance. It can also be possible to have a few mentors across different categories over a span of time, as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eauduvin.com
- Instagram: EAU_DU_VIN
- Facebook: EAUDUVIN
- Youtube: EAU DU VIN
- Other: PODCAST: Wine Pros on the Go
