Working in a wine space gives you a front-row seat to people’s relationship with wine. At Brix, I see it daily. Guests walk in curious, excited, and then suddenly cautious. They lower their voice when ordering. They preface their choice with “I know this isn’t fancy” or “don’t judge me, but…” That hesitation says more about wine culture than it does about the guest. People often arrive already knowing what they like. A certain grape. A familiar flavor. A style that feels good
There is no denying that this is a challenging moment for small business owners. Rising costs, slower traffic, unpredictable spending habits, and constant decision fatigue have made running a business feel heavier than it once did. If you are feeling stretched, uncertain, or exhausted, you are not imagining it. This season is demanding. Still, small business success matters now more than ever because we are the backbone of local economies and the heartbeat of communities. We