Laura Wayland's entrepreneurial story began with a bold decision during a challenging economic time. Starting with a single wine shop in 2010, she navigated risks, setbacks, and opportunities to build a thriving business empire that now includes wine, beer, olive oil stores, and coffee shops in the Outer Banks. Laura’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community.

The Beginning: A Bold Leap of Faith

Laura’s entrepreneurial adventure began with a wine shop purchase during the recession. Despite warnings about financing challenges, she secured an SBA loan with the help of a local bank. This move marked the start of a journey defined by determination and creative problem-solving.

"I had an idea and told my husband we should buy a wine shop. He asked where we’d get the money, and I said, ‘From a bank!’"

Building an Empire One Store at a Time

What started as one wine shop quickly grew into a multifaceted business. Laura and her husband navigated challenges such as layoffs and financial strains by expanding rather than retreating. Within a few years, they opened additional stores, including olive oil shops and coffee bars, all while balancing the demands of family life.

"If we couldn’t find a job, we decided to create one. We opened a second store and worked around the clock to make it successful."

Innovating During Crisis

When COVID-19 forced businesses to close, Laura pivoted quickly. She embraced digital solutions like Facebook Lives and virtual tastings, transforming challenges into opportunities. Her ability to adapt ensured her businesses not only survived but thrived during the pandemic.

"I’d never done a Facebook Live before, but I thought, if people can’t come here, I’ll bring the store to them."

Leadership and Community Focus

Laura emphasizes the importance of building a positive work culture and empowering her team. She takes pride in mentoring employees, promoting from within, and creating spaces where customers and staff feel valued.

"I love when customers think an employee is the owner—it’s the biggest compliment to our team and our culture."

Lessons for Entrepreneurs

Laura’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs includes:

• Take Advice: Leverage free resources like SCORE to build business plans and projections.
• Stay Determined: Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
• Foster Community: Build a business that’s not just about products but about creating experiences and connections.

"The hardest part is often the beginning, but the lessons you learn along the way make the journey worthwhile."

A Toast to Success

Today, Laura manages multiple thriving businesses, travels for inspiration, and continues to build her brand with passion and creativity. Whether hosting wine tastings or opening new stores, she proves that success is about resilience, vision, and community.

"Wine brings people together—it’s about more than the drink; it’s about the connections we make along the way."

Closing Thoughts: Laura’s journey from a wine shop to a diverse business empire shows what’s possible with grit, creativity, and the willingness to take a leap of faith. Whether you’re starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking for inspiration to keep going, Laura’s story reminds us that success is built one step—and one glass of wine—at a time.

https://franchise.frontporchcafe.com/

Outer Banks Olive Oil
www.outerbanksolive.com

Chip’s Wine and Beer
www.chipswinemarket.com

Front Porch Café
www.frontporchcafe.com

Business Mentoring from SCORE:
https://www.score.org/