We meet the dynamic duo behind Breathe Wine and Culture Co., Cheryl Herdman and Devon Di Fillipo Reed.
Cheryl and Devin share their inspiring story of how they ventured into the wine and craft beer retail space. From the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of launching a new business, their journey is filled with relatable moments that many entrepreneurs face.
They emphasize the importance of location and community connection, which played a vital role in their decision to open Breathe. What sets Breathe apart is their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all wine lovers, regardless of their experience level.
Cheryl's philosophy of "wine for normal people" resonates throughout the episode, as they discuss their weekly wine sampling events that encourage patrons to explore and enjoy without the pressure of pretentiousness. This approach has fostered a sense of community among their customers, many of whom return regularly to share stories and recommendations.
Cheryl and Devin emphasize that they are not just selling products but building connections with their customers. They listen to feedback, curate their selection based on customer requests, and even go the extra mile to special order items for their loyal patrons.
This dedication to service is what keeps customers coming back and makes Breathe a beloved local destination.
Cheryl and Devin's vision extends beyond just wine and craft beer; they aim to enhance the cultural experience of their community by integrating local art and food into their offerings. If you're curious about what it takes to run a successful small business in today’s economy, or if you're simply a wine enthusiast looking for a new favorite spot, this episode is a must-listen.
(01:00) Meet Cheryl and Devin
(05:00) The Journey to Opening Brett
(10:00) A Day in the Life at Brett
(15:00) Overcoming Challenges in Retail
(20:00) Community Engagement and Local Collaborations
(25:00) The Importance of Customer Relationships
(30:00) Future Plans for Breathe
(35:00) Memorable Customer Stories
This episode is sponsored by Alex R. White, PLLC.
If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.
Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.
I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.
We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.
Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.
So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!
Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life - License code: LWJEODYBFWYH73TR
https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/breathe-wine-culture-co
Copyright 2025 Vanessa Hankins
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