Episode 2 | Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

Episode two of the Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator with co-hosts Don Sherman and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade dives into conversation with Jennifer McDonald, founder and CEO of Jenny Dawn Cellars. Started in 2016, Jenny Dawn Cellars has grown from the dream of an at-home winemaker into Wichita's first urban winery. In 2019, she opened a winery and tasting room in the heart of downtown Wichita located at Union Station. Jennifer now crafts and bottles her wines on-site, with grapes and juices sourced from the finest growers in California and Kansas.

Jenny Dawn Cellars
703 E Douglas Ave Ste 180
Wichita, KS 67202
316-633-3022
jennydawncellars.com
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Number of employees: 2
Chamber member since 2017

On this episode you will learn about:

• How a love of wine inspired the start of a business from an HR professional
• Leveraging a California wine incubator to get started
• Developing a supply chain and getting the necessary licensing in Kansas
• Building in a style brand to your business
• The importance of being flexible and taking feedback
• Getting started with eCommerce
• The importance of managing cash flow
• How the Launch Prep program at Wichita State University propelled the Jenny Dawn business forward
• What it feels like looking at previous business plans and how they evolve
• The value of wise counsel
• How her previous experience in HR influenced Jennifer McDonald’s business approach
• Using the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce to network and create partnerships
• Helping customers out of their comfort zone to experience something new
• Creating a family legacy
• Having the faith to never give up

Learn more about Jenny Dawn Cellars on their website and like them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Check out these links that feature the company and provide more information about her wines and the business resources she recommends:

Kansas Grape Growers and Winemaker's Association
Association of African American Vintners
The Jenny Dawn Cellars Story
Launch Prep - Wichita State University

Listen on popular podcast directories and aggregators, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and ICT Podcast Network or using the player above. Send feedback on this show and/or suggestions for future guests or topics by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or emailing communications@wichitachamber.org.

Preview:

Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator is a weekly podcast devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Released every Wednesday, it's produced by Forge Podcast Co, managed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Evergy.

Learn more about this podcast series by visiting our January 7 blog post.