FRESH VOICES: And the Women Behind It
Introducing “Fresh Voices”
an ongoing series of columns authored by up-and-coming women
in the wine and spirits industry.
“Fresh Voices” is a new journalistic platform created by Dream Big Darling and Meridith May, publisher and editor-in-chief of SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel.
“Fresh Voices is impactful because it gives the next generation a voice and a powerful platform to talk about perspectives in the industry that might otherwise go unnoticed,” says Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, founder of Dream Big Darling.
From “Sipping in a Virtual World” to “Marketing to Latinos,” Fresh Voices reveals trends and ideas that will shape the future of our industry, all while serving as a springboard of visibility and opportunity for its contributors.
If you are interested in becoming a Fresh Voices contributor, please contact us.
An Interview with co-founder Meridith May:
Tell me about the creation of Fresh Voices?
Magazine editors receive a range of pitches from aspiring writers. In the wine and spirits industry, many of these ideas are not original, and in fact, I often see that several people will offer the similar concepts – which are taken from press releases or press trips. What connects us with Fresh Voices is not only the opportunity to work alongside Dream Big Darling and publish the writings of up-and-coming and talented women in the business, but to have content that is not stale or common. Fresh Voices is exactly that: newly harvested messaging that we are proud to feature in our pages.
Why has this initiative been so important to you?
“As we continue this series, I hope to bring more confidence to these diverse voices, and to mentor women in a way that helps their careers and allows them to be creative. This is important to women – to be recognized and heard.”
As an accomplished business woman and thought leader in our industry can you offer up any advice?
My dreams were not always big, but somehow I managed to stay in a career that always involved the media: from radio to newspaper to magazine publishing. I do believe in inner vision and projecting that out into the world. I have re-invented myself many times and flexibility is key. A lot of success comes along with making money, so I think if a women can “sell” something then she can be on her way. Sales can be interpreted as selling advertising, selling stocks, gaining new customers, or basically being able to promote yourself in the best possible light.
What do you think the industry needs to be most dynamic?
A think a boost of energy is what the industry needs. Let’s get salespeople and distributors back on the streets; How about public relations account execs stop sending press releases and start addressing us with creative pitches for their clients? Wine Directors and somms can re-evaluate their wine lists and expand their horizons. Sure, you want those well-known, established brands – but if you have some exciting wines you can hand-sell, that helps the smaller companies grow. This two-year “hiatus” may be the inspiration we need to boost our enthusiasm for what we do.
If you could be any wine what might you be?
I would be a Chateauneuf-du-Pape from the Rhône Valley. Sun-kissed Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise with rhubarb and earth in a silky frame. Somedays my spicy Grenache would show itself, and other days I would be more Syrah-like and smell like a field of lavender. I would only speak French bien sûr!
If you are interested in becoming a Fresh Voices contributor, please contact us.