Meet Hannah Ferguson | Owner/Cider and Wine Maker

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

Hi Hannah, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started as a home winemaker. I had been making wine for about 5 years when people kept asking me “where can we buy this at?” “how can we support you”. Then my family and friends started to encourage me to pursue this as a profession. After doing tons of research I realized I could turn my home winemaking into a profession. At that time small breweries were becoming very popular in our surrounding area and realizing that majority of those business owners started off at home breweries, I knew then it was a possibility. One of the first ‘urban wineries” that opened in Ohio was Cleveland Urban Winery, so that gave me hope. I made a decision, I was working in higher education and I decided that I needed to get industry experience. I was about to get a job with a local brewery and I worked there for 2.5 years. During these 5 years prior to opening, I’ve taken small business class at our local MBAC, went to conferences, met multiple people in the industry. I finally got the opportunity when I was offered to lease a space in my hometown Youngstown and was able to turn my business plan into a reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
During my time working for the brewery I was recognized as the first black female professional brewer in the state of Ohio. With opening DOPE Cider House and Winery, I am the first black owned in the state of Ohio and only 2nd in the US. I don’t think it was easy and I don’t think it was hard. I just never gave up on the dream. The biggest challenge for me as a NEW small business was raising capital and finding a location. The most important lesson I learned is to not listen to the negativity.

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 would start with FOOD. We have some of the best pizza in Ohio!! But, I would ask what do you have a taste for…..some of my favorite places to eat Westside Bowl, Cork and Cap Bottle Shop, The Federal, V2. And of course we will be at DOPE Cider House and Winery!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a lot of people….Family and friends mainly. (Mom,Brother,Auntie,Cousins) Barrel and Flow Beer Fest Founder- Day Bracey

Website: www.dopethebrand.com

Instagram: dopethebrand

Facebook: DOPE Cider House and Winery