Regina Gaines, owner of House of Pure Vin wine shop Detroit. Who ever thought three African American women – Regina Grains, Andrea Dunbar, Terry Mullins, and later a fourth Jena Scott, could open a wine shop in downtown Detroit, and become the poster-ladies for entrepreneurship, and ambassadors for Michigan’s second largest economy – agriculture – grape/wine production. House of Pure Vin from its architectural concept, to the delivery of customer service, has been a winner. The shop recently won the Architectural Institute American Michigan chapter best interior space. Hour Detroit’s Best Wine Shop and WDIV’s Not 4 The Best wine shop. The House of Pure Vin has a master Sommelier on staff, Claudia Tyegi, who is skilled at educating and presenting wines to customers who only may know they like a “red” or “white” wines. Regina’s road as an entrepreneur highlights what Detroit today is all about, and beacon for those looking to take the risk, and live out their goal as a business owner. (www.houseofpurevin.com)
What advice would you give to women on partnering with other women to start their own joint business venture?:
“A partnership is marriage. Most times, one wants it more or loves it more than the other the partner. It maybe a great opportunity for one partner and a dream for another partner. Everyone has their own reason for participating in the business, and everyone has to find their own way when trying to incorporate a business is their lives. It is hard and not easy. But, anything can be done with the right support system. The partnership needs a support system. My first advice is I would establish an advisory board for the company to help support the business and the partner’s ability to make decisions collectively and cohesively. My second advice is each partner should have a mentor or a life coach to support their ability to execute their roles in the business.”
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