Savvy Sipper Spotlight
Every Sip: Uncorking Success with Owner and Woman Entrepreneur, Stephanie Payne
In the world of entrepreneurship, stories of resilience, passion, and determination often shine as beacons of inspiration. Stephanie Payne, the founder of Every Sip, epitomizes these qualities, making her journey a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams.
Raised in the serene neighborhood of Kenwood in Minneapolis, Stephanie’s roots shaped her in more ways than one. A graduate of Blake School, her early years in Minneapolis laid the foundation for her future endeavors. After completing her education at Hamilton College in upstate New York, Stephanie’s life took an exciting turn as she embarked on her journey to San Francisco.
It was in the vibrant city of San Francisco that Stephanie’s love affair with wine truly began. The rolling vineyards of wine country captivated her heart, igniting a passion that would eventually become a driving force behind her entrepreneurial pursuits. A career in non-profit development followed her move back to Minneapolis in 2007, but Stephanie’s heart was increasingly drawn to the world of wines and vineyards.
In 2015, Vine Times emerged as a side project, a venture through which Stephanie could channel her newfound passion. Despite its humble beginnings, Vine Times would soon evolve into much more. In 2017, Stephanie took a bold leap of faith, bidding farewell to her non-profit career to pour her heart and soul into growing her beverage industry focused venture.
Not only did Stephanie’s business pursuits flourish, but her personal life also blossomed during this time. On a picturesque August day in 2018, she married her love, Matt, amidst the rolling hills of Sonoma County, California. The winery’s stunning backdrop spoke to her close connection with the world of wines, as Imagery Winery played host to the joyous occasion. The significance of this winery extended further, as it was the only other place that had hosted a wedding, belonging to none other than Jamie Benziger, Imagery’s winemaker.
The path to success, however, is rarely without challenges. The onset of the global pandemic in 2020 dealt a heavy blow to Stephanie’s business, as tastings were canceled, and operations came to a halt. Yet, true to her nature, Stephanie refused to be deterred. With resilience and adaptability, she navigated the tumultuous waters, relaunching her business in the fall of 2021 under a new name: Every Sip.
Stephanie’s journey reached new heights with the arrival of her daughter, Priscilla, in April 2021. As she embarked on the role of motherhood, her determination to succeed in her entrepreneurial endeavors remained unshaken.
Today, Stephanie resides in North Tyrol Hills with her family. Every Sip stands as a testament to her tenacity, passion, and the power of following one’s dreams. Stephanie’s story is one that reminds us that with unwavering dedication and a heart full of passion, every sip of life can be savored and turned into a remarkable success story.