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For sommelier and winemaker André Hueston Mack, entrepreneurialism has always come naturally. Across all of his business ventures — and particularly for Mack’s Maison Noir Wines — having an online presence has always been key to making his business goals a reality. He talked with Squarespace about creating community through wine, and why a healthy balance of patience and risk pays off.
SQUARESPACE: When did you first become interested in wine? What ultimately inspired you to turn your passion into a career?
André Hueston Mack: [I became interested] back in the late 90s, in between jobs. Watching old episodes of a sitcom featuring a divorced radio psychiatrist who appreciated a nice glass of sherry really inspired me to invite wine into my life. All throughout college I had worked as a waiter in restaurants and it wasn’t until I returned with my newfound interest into wine then I decided this was the career for me.
SQSP: How has your lived experience influenced your career decisions?
AHM: They’re absolutely one and the same. My life is full of taking chances and risks, which I believe has gotten me this far in life.
SQSP: You manage multiple businesses. How have they pivoted in response to the pandemic?
AHM: Besides the necessary requirements for COVID, I feel like the pandemic really hasn’t changed much of my philosophy about business as we continue to double down on our current projects while opening a new one this fall.
SQSP: Your philosophy has always been, “Wine for all.” How does this influence your approach to community building and education?
AHM: Community and education are the two pillars of our industry. When I’m not leading seminars around the world, I set aside a few hours a week to speak to a heavy roster of mentees. We also consistently donate product when we can.
SQSP: What role has your online presence played in the success of your businesses?
AHM: It means everything!! It is truly the face of our company. It’s the first thing that most people encounter and its reach is global. I mean, are you really a company without a website??
SQSP: What advice do you wish you’d had when you set out to launch your first business?
AHM: Be patient, act quick, but don't rush.
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