Member Spotlight: Berlin Kelly, Founder & CEO of Proud Pour
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- January 11, 2017
Tell us about what you do.
I launched Proud Pour – an environmental company where we solve environmental problems through the sales of wines, and soon, beers.
How did you get started?
I was actively involved in the NYC Homebrewer’s Guild, and wanted to leave my finance job to start something more meaningful. Our first project is a Sauvignon Blanc where every bottle saves the oceans by restoring 100 oysters. Our second project is a Pinot Noir which will save the bees by planting 875 wildflowers.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career?
Staying motivated when you are competing with wine brands with huge marketing budgets and hear retail store owners want something “cheaper”.
What was the most braggable moment?
When we realized we’ve funded the restoration of over 3 millions oysters within a year to the east coast through the sales of our Sauvignon Blanc.
What would you say is your biggest weakness?
That we are a small company. Our competitors are huge and are able to have entire departments for marketing, events, accounting, funding, winemaking. Proud Pour has just 2 employees so we try to do it all. Perfectly.
And your greatest strength?
Our biggest weakness is also our biggest strength. We are super personal and put a lot of love and care into everything we do.
What was the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mistake?
That not everyone things the same way we do. We care a lot about the environment, but some people just don’t. And learning to be ok with that. Everyone has that thing they are passionate about.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love that we can be sincere and really make a difference in the environment. We’ve been able to help the ocean with oysters, and are excited to help bees, beavers, wolves and the land around us.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To understand we are all one. We are all facing this struggle in life and that we can’t take things personally. We are all good.
How do you define happiness?
To be content and grateful to be part of this human journey, despite external circumstances.
What book are you currently reading?
Shep Gordon’s autobiography, “They Call Me Supermensch”
What’s a personal habit that you believe contributes to your success?
Daily lunchtime meditation and embracing people in my life. I’m able to keep moving forward knowing that this is just a journey, without attachments or expectations.
Have you collaborated with another business/artist in the past? (if yes tell us how it benefited you, if no tell us how you would like to)
Yes. We collaborate all the time. This is how we can become successful. If we’ve learned anything, it’s that we can’t do it on our own.
