The pivotal decision that changed my life

I was at a crossroads. This was the time to weigh the options and make a decision. Should I quit my job and put 100% of my time into the boutique wine business? I had previously experienced life as an entrepreneur working in the graphic design field and knew it is not an easy path. Work can be almost 24/7 and there is no guarantee of a paycheck but the opportunity to fully use my skills to build a business has always intrigued me.
 
I valued my employment at our local chamber of commerce working in marketing and membership. It was a steady paycheck and I enjoyed getting acquainted with the local residents and business owners. I liked the idea of helping my small town prosper. Taking the job was one reason I moved to this new community in rural Iowa from the capital city. The other, more overarching reason, was for love.
 
Mike lived in Knoxville when we started dating in late 2015 and had started the wine business as a pastime because of his passion for producing a product that people would enjoy. He saw it as a creative, social and active endeavor, and gifted that vision to me. But he was juggling tasks of the business solo, along with his full time job in medicine.
 
In March this year Mike and I were married and I left my job at the chamber of commerce to spend 100% of my time with winery and vineyard operations. I’m relishing my current role working alongside my husband, spreading the word about our family business, meeting new people, and being a part of helping my small town prosper.
 
I hope if you have the opportunity to visit the Tasting Room in Knoxville, IA or Nearwood Winery on location somewhere, please try our wine. It may not change your life, but it may just add a bit of enjoyment to it.

  Joann & Mike

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