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NEW ARRIVALS
Joey Wölffer
Jul 23, 2024
Joey is wearing the Giselle Knit Top, Beth Skirt, Graham Knit Jacket, and Short Hudie Skirt.
Joey Wölffer takes us around her family owned Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and talks about her career highs, work - life balance, and how she handles fashion trends.
Tell us about your vineyard, shop, and all of your work across many philanthropic organizations!
Our father started the Winery and Vineyard 36 years ago fulfilling a lifelong dream of his. He was a total visionary with a knack for risk-taking. My brother Marc and I took over the business in 2013 after my father passed away (in 2008) along with Roman (the winemaker and partner) and my husband, Max (now CEO). Our first two products we launched - Summer in a Bottle Rosé and Cider really took off quickly with Summer in a Bottle selling out in 3 weeks! We are still very much a boutique family brand, but have now grown into distribution in 38 states and 5 countries. My role is Chief Brand Officer overseeing Marketing, Events, and Press/Partnerships. I absolutely love how much my role has grown over the years.
I started my store in a truck in 2010, a little over a year after my dad's passing. I knew I didn't want to work in corporate fashion anymore, I needed a chance and I always wanted to create my own brand. It was crazy navigating "Fashion Truck" life; breaking down on the side of the road, getting chased out of neighborhoods by annoyed shop owners, and finding a way to run a "real" business. I traveled the country in that truck, but in 2015 with the birth of my first daughter, I knew it was time to find a brick-and-mortar space! I found a beautiful store in Sag Harbor and launched a really unique bohemian bag brand. Most recently I started a line of "Re-Worked" clothing along with my incredible store director, Madison, using fabrics from clothes that we couldn't sell in the store - vintage and new fabrics. The store is multi-brand with beautiful finds from smaller, European designers, vintage clothes and jewelry, and unique accessories. It's an incredible creative outlet for me and has been very rewarding in my career!
I have always been an empathetic human and since I have gained a small voice, I use it for good as much as I can. I also think it's incredibly important to be active in your community. As soon as I was able to give time to other organizations, I did, joining on the advisory board of The Bridgehampton Center¹ and most recently co-founding a chapter of Moms Demand Action². We live in the Hamptons, but many of the people who work in the community live below the poverty line and struggle to feed their families. These people are essential to the community and it is our responsibility to support them. The Center has an incredible (affordable) after school program, Food bank, and support programs for health, wellness, and financial support. I am also on the board of the Parrish Art Museum³ as well as the Hampton Classic Horse Show⁴. The Parrish has opened a whole new world to me. We are so lucky to live in an area with such access to art and culture. Giving my time and resources when I can is something I am committed to doing for the rest of my life.
What has been the proudest moment for you in your career?
I think building my own brand starting with my truck is truly my proudest accomplishment. It was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life and building it at such a young, naive time in my life allowed me to discover so much about myself as a leader and entrepreneur. I learned a lot about hustle and networking. That has helped me so much as I began my career in the wine industry. I bring a totally different viewpoint because of the relationships and skills I built in my fashion career.
How would you describe your personal style?
Whatever is not in fashion. I loathe trends. I just like to wear what makes me feel good. I tend to wear a lot of Vintage or smaller brands. If I wear something Designer, it's either borrowed or from TheRealReal. I pair classic styles with awesome vintage jewelry. When I was a bit younger, I was more Bohemian, but I like more fitted clothes now. I like a more classic look now with an edge :)
You spend a lot of your time in the Hamptons, what would your perfect day out east look like?
I live here! Unfortunately, summer in the Hamptons is not a vacation for me, it's my time to be out working and socializing for work, BUT my ideal day is with friends and our families at the beach. I love BBQ's at home and inviting all different people from my life.
What motivates you when you need an extra push?
That's such a good question...I am really good under pressure and when I am really busy. I struggle when my mind has time to wander and spin. When I am in that state, I try to go for a good walk with a fellow entrepreneur or by myself listening to an episode of Acquired⁵ or How I Built This⁶. My riding has been the great motivator of my career because it's something that requires me to manage my time well and work my butt off so I can do it!
What are your tips for juggling motherhood, business, and a social life?
I think surrounding yourself with the best support system is key to success and happiness. I have the best teams and support in all aspects of my life. I would absolutely not be able to function without my amazing teams. I also think saying "no" is essential. There are limits to how much time you can give to others and to your social life. I want to support people and brands as much as I can, but my family life is really important to me, so having balance is essential.
Who are the people that inspire you?
People that have power that use their voice for good. I think you have the opportunity to speak up for those who cannot, you have an obligation to do so. Some women that have inspired me over the years are:
1. Shannon Watts for what she has done for Gun Safety and Advocacy and now for women in leadership/politics.
2. Melinda Gates for literally everything she does.
3. Julianne Moore for using her platform to highlight real life female heroes in Gun Safety Advocacy.
4. Taylor Swift for using her power to inspire so many women across all ages and speaking up politically regardless of backlash.
If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Fuchsia, bright, bold, but a little mysterious :)
