Chrishon Lampley is a powerhouse. Within five minutes of sitting down with her, you realize she is a force to be reckoned with. We interviewed her in 2013 after she announced the launch of her wine label — Love Cork Screw. Almost a year and a half later, Love Cork Screw has emerged as a successful wine lifestyle brand, boasting six varietals, Lampley Cigars, wine inspired candles, and a radio show.
Her story is quite inspirational. In 2009, Chrishon and her business partner opened Three Peas Art Lounge. The bar located in a trendy Chicago neighborhood made its mark by featuring the work of local artists and serving unique cocktails and a private wine label. However in 2011, the building which housed the business suffered severe damage — forcing her to close the bar and lose everything. With that part of her life in the rear view mirror, Chrishon persevered through the challenges to become a vintner and among the 1 percent of African American women to own a wine label. She is also a social media maven and a sought after speaker and entrepreneurial mentor.
We sat down with Chrishon Lampley to find out more about her Love Cork Screw lifestyle brand and what’s next for her.
Love Cork Screw has exploded since your launch in 2013. Tell us about more about the brand.
Love Cork Screw is a lifestyle brand that touches all five senses. In addition to our six varietals of wines, we have wine scented candles and a cigar line — Lampley Cigars. We wanted to make sure we created the full experience for our customers. After a long day or a long week, you can listen to your favorite music and kick back with Love Cork Screw wine, candles and cigars. A true lifestyle brand.
What motivated you to start a cigar and luxury candle line?
Well, in an effort to create a full experience, I thought cigars and wine scented candles would be the finishing touches. Additionally, it’s an awesome way to carry on my maiden name and honor my father. Lampley is such a strong last name and I’m proud of it.
You have become a sought after motivational and entrepreneurial speaker. What is the main message you share with your audience?
The message I share often is to of course, never give up! But I also want to make sure my audience understands the difference between a hustler and an entrepreneur. Hustlers are good at many things and an entrepreneur is passionate about one thing and continues to push and work hard towards the end result.
What natural gifts and talents have emerged since you have been on this journey?
My skill set of multitasking and problem solving has surfaced as well as my ability to consistently move to the next level. My ambition strengthens every day!
With almost 20,000 followers, social media has played a major role in the success of your brand. Tell us how.
The amount of social media support amazes me every day. Love Cork Screw has developed a solid following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I believe the consistency and transparency of allowing people on this journey has helped develop the brand. I receive inquiries all the time about aspiring entrepreneurs or even aspiring wine enthusiasts.
What’s next for the Love Cork Screw Brand?
Around the world and nationally distributed! I even see Love Cork Screw distributed internationally. It is also my goal to be able to give back to non-profits as much as I can. It’s more than just wine, cigars and candles. It’s my passion and I look forward to great things to come!
Chrishon was recently awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by Fifth Third Bank. Just another accolade to add to her list of accomplishments.
Love Cork Screw is available in over 50 locations in the Chicagoland area, including grocery stores, bars, restaurants, lounges, and liquor stores. Go to lovecorkscrew.com to get the details.
Want to learn more about Chrishon Lampley, check out these articles.
Chrishon Lampley of Love Cork Screw, running the gamut from radio to wine and beyond
Love Cork Screw’s ‘In Too Deep’ Anniversary
Love Cork Screw wines debut in Chicago
Chicago Art Lounge Owners Consider Expanding Business
Courtney Bell is passionate about helping people achieve their goals. She is a life coach, professor, and blogger with over ten years of experience creating strategies for adults and students to live the lives they desire. Courtney currently lives in Chicago. Like her Facebook page – Courtney Bell Coaches and follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cbellcoaches.
