HBB Star – Emmanuel & Cynthia Igboin

We got to connect with another rising star in our Huntsville community and today we had the opportunity to connect with Emmanuel & Cynthia Igboin, owners of The Wine Rack. Check out our conversation below:

Emmanuel & Cynthia Igboin, please tell us a little about yourselves. Where you are from, what’s your upbringing?

I am originally from Nigeria and my wife, Cynthia is from Mississippi. I obtained my MBA degree from Alabama A&M University before moving to Chicago where I met Cynthia. We owned a variety of businesses in the Chicago land area before deciding to come back ‘home’ to Huntsville for retirement.

What inspired you to start your own business?

John: After college I obtained employment with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there I discovered that working for someone else just wasn’t for me. After a year with them I struck out on my own and have never regretted it.

What is unique about your business? Tell us a bit more.

The Wine Rack is the only black-owned wine store in the Huntsville area, and some say in the whole state of Alabama. We feature over 600 different wines, over 200 Craft/IPA beers with scores at least 86, as ranked by Beer Advocate. We also carry hard to find Sakes, Vermouth, Ports, Meads and other specialty wines. Our monthly wine tasting event is a meeting place for the community and its environ. For $10 you get to taste 8 different delicious wines paired with complimentary food.

What have been your biggest challenges, and how have you overcome them?

Our biggest challenge was learning about all the various grapes that go into the wine varietal. There is so much to learn. The previous owner, a sommelier, was gracious enough to school us for two weeks before handing over the business to us. We are learning new things everyday about wine and it is exciting. Coming to work everyday knowing that you will learn something new has been rewarding.

If you could speak to your younger self, just starting out, what advice would you give him/her?

There is never going to be the right time to get started in any endeavor. Just do it. While you are at it, continue to acquire the specialized knowledge that will set you apart from your competitors and others. You will also need a good Mentor to help you along your chosen path.

What’s your dream/the end game?

Our goal is to franchise the Wine Rack. Our liquor license allows us to open four more locations around the state. We are hoping to attract more people of color into the Wine industry, where they make up less than 1%.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

Show up. Show up everyday no matter what. If you are disciplined enough to show up everyday you will be successful. Networking with other business owners is also a good advice, especially when you hit rough patches along the way. There is always someone that has ‘been there’ and ‘done that’.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us!