She Left Her Corporate Job After a 'Kitchen Experiment' Took Off — Then She Surpassed $3 Million Revenue Whitney Gates created a nationally-recognized product now featured at Target and she wants to help others do the same.
By Nicaila Matthews Okome Edited by Mark Klekas
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Whitney Gates, co-founder and CEO of Wondry, transformed her passion for wine into a multimillion-dollar business by blending her corporate know-how with an innovative product. What started as a kitchen experiment has grown into a nationally recognized wine-cocktail hybrid brand featured on the shelves of Target and Total Wine.
Recently, Whitney opened up about her journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship and shared valuable insights for others looking to make their side hustle their main hustle. Keep reading to see how Whitney built Wondry and the lessons she learned along the way.
Whitney's journey into the wine industry was sparked by her childhood memories of watching her late uncle craft homemade wine in his backyard. Her uncle experimented with unconventional ingredients like peaches, pears and even corn on the cob — creating bold, fruit-forward flavors that captivated friends and family.
Though Whitney wasn't old enough to partake, it left a lasting memory, and she was fascinated by the process. Years later, while building a successful corporate career in consumer goods, she found herself drawn back to those early experiences. In her free time, she began researching and experimenting with winemaking, determined to create something modern and accessible — wine that wasn't overly dry or intimidating but still had the richness and strength of a cocktail. Whitney created a small setup at home and spent years fine-tuning fermentation methods, alcohol levels and organic infusions. Unlike traditional wines, Wondry is a hybrid between a premium wine and a craft cocktail, infused with real fruit extracts like watermelon and hazelnut to create a smooth yet potent experience.
After testing out flavors with family and friends, Whitney grew encouraged by the glowing feedback and realized she had something special. By 2021, Whitney and her husband took a leap of faith, liquidating their 401(k)s to invest $100,000 into launching Wondry. What started as a kitchen experiment quickly turned into a multi-million dollar business, shaking up the wine industry with an entirely new category of beverages. In just 3 years of business, her company has generated over $3 million in revenue.
Along with the amazing story, Whitney also has some lessons for others to help them turn their passions into profit:
1. Start small before scaling big
Whitney's entrepreneurial journey began by testing her wine blends with friends and family and selling directly to consumers online. She used social media and her personal network to generate buzz, refining her product based on real-time feedback.
"Getting feedback early on helped us make a better product. We weren't afraid to start small," she said.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Whitney recommends beginning with a manageable audience and gathering feedback before pitching to larger retailers.
2. Apply what you know
Whitney credits her 13 years in corporate America with helping her navigate the challenges of launching a business. Having worked for Fortune 200 companies like Coca-Cola and Nestlé, she honed skills in brand management, stakeholder influence, and consumer insights—tools she now uses to grow Wondry.
"Every meeting, every pitch, even every 'no' taught me something I use in Wondry today," Whitney shared.
3. Be open to iteration
Whitney and her husband began Wondry with a clear idea but remained flexible as feedback poured in. They adjusted their flavors, packaging and even how they described their product — a wine-cocktail hybrid — to appeal to a broader audience.
"We learned by doing. Good enough is good enough to start, and you perfect as you go," Whitney explained.
Related: The Most Important First Step When Starting a Business
4. Bet big on yourself
When Whitney and her husband launched Wondry, they went all in. By liquidating their 401(k)s, they invested $100,000 of their own money to start the business, proving their commitment to their vision.
"We knew we had something special, and we weren't afraid to take the risk," she said.
Whitney's advice? Take calculated risks, but ensure your finances are in order before diving headfirst.
Related: The 5-Step Process To Identify Risk and Improve Decision-Making
5. Share your story
Whitney has built a loyal following by sharing her authentic journey as a Black entrepreneur. From her family's wine-making roots to the hustle of balancing motherhood and business, her transparency has inspired customers and opened doors for Wondry.
"People connect with the person behind the product. Being authentic makes your brand unforgettable," Whitney shared.
Whitney Gates' rise from corporate marketer to wine innovator offers a roadmap for turning passion into profit. By starting small, betting on herself, and building a brand rooted in authenticity, Whitney has proven that success is possible—even in a competitive industry.
Hear more of Whitney's story in her interview on the Side Hustle Pro podcast.
