Cora J Barnes CSW

Ever since my first real job at The Coca Cola Company; I knew entrepreneurship was for me. Why? The constraints, ceilings, someone telling me what to do and lastly-the salary-just felt uncomfortable for me-in corporate America. I knew I would be better off; in control, free to be great and make more money on my own. I just didn’t know what type of business I could see myself doing. Little did I know, that first sip of wine would change my life and answer the question that I desperately needed to know. Of course, it wasn’t so clear at first sip. But it was enough to start the process. All I knew was- man, I need more. “More” led me to reading publications, trying different wines, even heartbreak lol. I eventually went to school, received some certifications and even helped a wine importer for a trade tasting. It was definitely making sense at that point. I really enjoy this stuff; beyond drinking. I could see myself working in the industry. So my next step was to find a job. That proved relatively easy. Being that I went to wine school, companies were more interested in me. I knew sales wasn’t for me, so I steered clear of that. So I applied for floor positions at a store. Low and behold, I found what I was looking for. Helping customers, all the physical work, tastings just felt “right”. I finally found what business to open. Park Avenue Wine & Spirits.