Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Metropolitan Wines & Spirits Owner Vivian Hatherell, whose boutique wine agency also specializes in premium sake and is also a direct reflection of her core interests in life, as well as her career…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the Owner of Metropolitan Wines & Spirits, a boutique wine agency with a specialization in premium sake. We market our wines and industry-leading portfolio of sakes to the LCBO and to numerous restaurant accounts throughout the GTA, and we recently began operations in Quebec. I am also a Partner in Ontario Spring Water Sake Company, the Toronto-based producer of the Izumi brand and the first sake brewery in eastern North America. Last piece is that I head up Ontario’s not-for-profit sake trade association and am one of the lead organizers of Kampai Toronto, our flagship event and Canada’s largest sake festival.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Having worked with large corporations early in my career as a strategy consultant, I knew that environment wasn’t for me. Plus I craved doing something that reflected my core interests, which has always involved food & drink, travel & hospitality.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Anytime you’re working in a category that’s developing, it is both the best and most challenging part of your job. It’s exciting to be a part of driving the awareness and appreciation of something that’s growing, as you get the chance to speak to folks and shed light on something new and undiscovered; plus it demands highly-involved relationships with trade partners and industry peers – you know the saying, “it takes a village,” which I really enjoy. However, having to nurture a category takes time and a significant amount of effort to build exposure and awareness, overcome misconceptions and address apprehensions. Add to that a liquor board-controlled environment, which every so often will throw a few logistical curve balls that make the day-to-day all the more challenging.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
One of the more difficult aspects about managing your own business is the ability to fully disengage – although I try and prioritize balancing work/life, personal time can often be interrupted because you are the primary person accountable to your clients and suppliers.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Really, I’m not the best at setting long-term goals. I’m generally more focused on the 1-2 year plan. Plus I tend to operate more opportunistically, as is the case often in this industry, although I do hope in five years I would’ve played a part in bringing the sake category to a much broader audience in Canada, and also that the Toronto-based Izumi brand will be firmly established in markets outside of Ontario.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Starting out was hard – there were strongly-established wine agencies out there that had extensive portfolios and deeply entrenched relationships with both the LCBO and major restaurants. Thankfully, sommeliers and independently-owned restaurants were more open-minded to working with newer, boutique agencies to source interesting products. So that’s where I started: I built a unique and varied portfolio that over time developed into a niche specialization in premium sake, and supplemented our product strengths with a commitment to service.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Money does not equal happiness, but I firmly believe that creating value has to be one of the measurements of a company’s success. Success is also being a market leader, a preferred partner, and a respected competitor amongst your peers.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Working with our trade association and establishing Kampai Toronto as a credible and legitimate annual drink festival was the realization of a pipe dream. This year, the third edition, our biggest yet with an estimated 700 attendees, will be taking place at the historic Distillery District on May 29th and will feature the first sake competition ever organized in Canada, ~150 products for tasting, and 12 international restaurant partners.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
First and foremost, take pride and have passion for what you do. As a small business owner, you are your brand, so be professional and thoughtful, build bridges, and surround yourself with like-minded partners. Be opportuntistic and find ways to be differentiated.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Toronto is such a great city to eat out in with its diversity of offerings and multicultural influences. I’m especially excited about the izakaya boom – Japanese pub-style, accessible food with a fun, convivial vibe – and Latin eats, Cava being a perennial foodie favourite, and Fonda Lola, a new, laid-back, charming, modern Mexican Queen West install.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
With family and friends primarily. And as often as I’m able, playing tennis, running outdoors, watching movies and cooking. Plus I’m a huge sports fan, especially football.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Anywhere and everywhere, as I have enormous wanderlust. Recent memorable trips include Japan and Argentina, both countries that had such vibrant, incredible cultures.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’ by Michael Jackson
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
A marketer of some kind, maybe PR or branding. I always dreamed about owning a restaurant, but the lifestyle would be incredibly demanding.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Sick Kids because I have two young daughters and four young nieces and nephews – it’s a top-notch institution that serves a most important purpose.
What to you is notable?
Raw talent, belief in oneself, a drive to succeed, and generosity of spirit.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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