Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Castelluber.
Hi Larissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, I own Rebel Wine Bar in Oakland Park Fl amongst a few other businesses. Born in Brazil, raised in a Brazilian household living in the outskirts of New York City, within Northern NJ. In my early adulthood, I worked in Editorial, and Fashion Marketing within the toughness of New York City. Moved to South Florida about 10 years ago and never looked back. I still do marketing but primarily SEO for private clients here in South Florida and run a wine bar in Oakland Park FL which originally was a pipe dream that came to reality. I am very proud to have such a positive energy that the bar has, an eclectic group of people that enjoy the bar, and a particular style that also encompasses who I am as a person.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Rebel Wine Bar was definitely a labor of love. It took about two years of construction and wasn’t the easiest process for someone just starting in the hospitality industry, especially new in the hospitality industry. I tell my customers it was like a game of chicken, are you going to give up yet? Whoever gives in loses. Luckily, I persevered or this wouldn’t have completed like many businesses on my block who fail to open due to the underestimated amount of time and resources it takes to open. It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life but one of the most gratifying.
As the business started to progress throughout the year, there were a lot of distributors and vendors that took advantage of us not knowing how the process works of ordering, etc. Oh, we learned. Funny story, one lady from the beverage companies threatened to take away one of our small fridges because we weren’t buying enough, knowing that we are a Wine Bar, then thereafter we cleaned it out and waited a MONTH for her to have the fridge removed. We recently had a sign guy say that he “warned us” that the sign was too fragile for outside yet, proceeded to charge us for a sign and now we are having issues that they are refusing to help us with. It really never ends sometimes with the craziness of this industry. Never boring for sure. But on the other hand, some of the most loyal and honest people we have met were also within the hospitality industry that have taught us so much during this process.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our goal at Rebel is to provide a comfortable place where you can learn about wines in an approachable way. Wine can be a bit intimidating so we are trying to get a fun and new approach to learning an age-old alcoholic beverage. We are happy to share any answers to questions that may help the next person try to open up a bar or restaurant.
What makes you happy?
Providing opportunities for others is something I do enjoy such as employing others. We are also providing a platform for arts and culture to benefit from our space and I think the capability to help others in that sense is something we are proud of. We have partnered with a non-profit called ArtsUnited which are continuously collaborating on a rotating art gallery within the space on a monthly basis and hire local entertainment regularly. Happiness is a bit subjective, however, I am just happy to be able to make a difference in someone whether through work, collaboration, or wine.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rebelwinebar.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/rebel.Wine.bar
- Facebook: Facebook.com/rebelwinebar
