As the new year unfolds, many aspiring entrepreneurs are gearing up to bring their business dreams to life. While some may choose the solo route, there's something remarkable about embarking on this journey with a close friend. Look no further than the dynamic duo of actress Nina Dobrev and dancer Julianne Hough for an inspiring example of building a business with your best friend.
In 2019, Dobrev and Hough joined forces to launch Fresh Vine Wine, a venture born out of their shared vision to offer low-carb, low-calorie wines to the world. Their entrepreneurial journey has been a whirlwind, culminating in an IPO in mid-December.
Even as their careers in entertainment continue to thrive, these two public figures have managed to strike a harmonious balance by relying on each other and their dedicated Fresh Vine Wine team.
The Perfect Business Partnership
When asked what led them to become business partners, Julianne Hough emphasizes the relational nature of wine. It's about creating memories and experiences, and both she and Nina Dobrev have explored the world of wine extensively, enjoying countless unforgettable moments. Recognizing their unique strengths and shared values, they saw an opportunity to collaborate effectively.
Hough elaborates, saying, "Our strengths are distinct and special, yet our principles are in sync. It felt like an ideal match." Dobrev contributes, "Right from the beginning, we've been like yin and yang—finishing each other's sentences, sharing similar thoughts, yet with our unique set of strengths and weaknesses."
Building Fresh Vine Wine From the Ground Up
Behind the scenes, the duo invested genuine effort into launching Fresh Vine Wine. They were unwavering in their commitment to authenticity, ensuring that every aspect of their business resonated with their beliefs. They took a hands-on approach, visiting Napa Valley and participating in varietal selection to better understand their consumers' desires.
Hough emphasizes their commitment: "We're dedicated to staying true to our genuine beliefs and authenticity in everything we do." Dobrev chimes in, reflecting, "I've gained a wealth of knowledge. It's surprising because I initially felt quite confident in what I knew. Yet, delving into the process has been incredibly enlightening."
Previous Ventures and Life Lessons
Hough and Dobrev have drawn from their prior entrepreneurial experiences to launch and grow Fresh Vine Wine. Hough, who wears multiple hats, including being the founder and CEO of Kinrgy and a producer, emphasizes the value of real-time learning. She shares, "The greatest education you can have is real-time — in-the-moment education and learning."
While acknowledging her limited entrepreneurial background, Dobrev is enthusiastic about her learning journey. She recognizes the support of their robust team and her curiosity, affirming, "This entire journey has been my crash course in business school, and while I anticipate making errors, I'm determined to glean lessons and evolve from them."
Balancing Friendship and Business
Owning a business together has naturally impacted their friendship, but for Dobrev and Hough, it's been a positive change. They've seamlessly integrated business discussions into their hangouts, as their passion for Fresh Vine Wine often takes center stage.
Hough emphasizes the importance of balance in life and notes that their enthusiasm frequently spills into their casual hangouts with friends. She notes, "Sometimes during our friend gatherings, we can't resist discussing our passion because it's such a big part of who we are."
Dobrev contributes, "We've spent countless years casually researching before launching this venture — those early twenties involved a lot of wine. So, the boundaries have been blurred since then, quite literally."