Meet Chrissy Doles | Owner of Parlare Wines by Chrissy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chrissy Doles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chrissy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting your own business is never a easy thought process. Its painful! I say that because you go through a list of things you “think” your good at before you find your passion. I’ve been starting businesses for over 20 yrs now. I was a poet, that wrote poetry with art, I was a cook, I was a jewelry maker, I was a career resume writer, but none of it gave me the drive I have now. I was always business ready but this was the first time I went this far in my dream. This time my mindset was to keep going no matter what and to research the business I was getting into, because I knew I wasn’t the first nor will I be the last to start this type of business. I had to go with what I knew and I knew how to shape a brand. I knew how to market me as a brand. I spent so much time helping others build their success it was about time I worked on me. That was my thought process, in essence. Focus on me and “keep moving forward”. Success is not built by looking back on mistakes, it’s built from learning from them. I sat up nightly reading, and saving my own money because I knew what I was going to do would be risky but I wanted to never say I wish I would have done that! End of the day, The Process is first finding you.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Parlare wines is my second child. It has become the baby in the family now. I love everything about it. Now with a R&B sponsorship/ partnership by member of Dru Hill, Scola Dinero, it has just grown in months and I love it. I think what set me apart is first I funded my business. no one has given me any loans or handout or silent partnerships. Only my hand is in the pot for this brand. Right now it’s lots of women of color creating wine brands but I feel mine brand brings you a life-style of luxury and in the black/brown community glam luxury isn’t always seen in a positive way. In my photos, commercials, social media post its all a life-style and that sets Parlare apart from other brands. Where I am today, was not easy to come by and I am still growing. I had to get people to believe in my brand and the only way to overcome that is to keep moving forward! I will say that a lot because I truly believe in life if you keep moving forward you will reach your goals. The lesson I have learned is nothing happens overnight it happens when you are crying and ready to give up. I want the world to know that a middle-class Black American, divorced-single mom, took life and change it for her with no help and Parlare will be a brand that will be around for generations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love my city. This is not my home town but it is my HOME. Charlotte has some of the best restaurants and views on the east coast. I often find myself hanging out in the South End of the city and my favorite place to go and eat is this spot called Hawker’s. Its right in the heart of uptown Charlotte and they serve Asian Street Market food with a outdoor vibe with open garage doors and a ice creamy “Jenni’s” next door. This area to me shows me the art around the city and the mix of the different cultures. Its not over the top fancy or under the table tacky. You can be yourself and I get inspired by the vibes the locals bring there. I sit there all night and just watch the people walk and talk so happy. This is my favorite spot to reconnect with me. I also enjoy walking into NODA this area is on the other side of uptown Charlotte and if you want to experience ART this is the area. They have a donut shop that serves hot fresh donuts out a side window of a building! “Regin Donuts” what an experience and you can walk into some of the strangest place in NODA and feel comfortable. The latest place I have the most fun is Camp North End. They took a warehouse and put street food and yoga studios with music and art festivals all in one place its is the hottest upcoming place with a outdoor under the stars vibe a must see here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I think of someone that pushed me when I decided on what business I was going to start, the person that I have to give recognition to. It would be my Uncle we call him “Jaguar”. I know right huh.. Jaguar.. well that’s what we call him and before major decision in my life about finance, relationships or anything that is life changing I call him up. It was some ideas he would tell me no about and I am now glad I listened. When I came to him and told him what I was going to do I think he heard the passion I had and he told me to do it. He told me I can do anything I put my mind to that I was capable of so much more than I can see and just believe and I wont fail and do not worry what people say because what I was building was legacy and long term wealth. With that type of person in your corner you can’t go wrong. I will say never lessen someone’s dreams, encourage them, help them because you never know where they will go. Thank you Jag!

Website: www.parlarewinesbychrissy.com

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Image Credits
Urban Photographer- Romero Acker