Kavita Channe, the Founder and CEO of Sip Channé, possesses a diverse background spanning multiple industries. Her professional journey commenced as a business owner when she co-founded The Procurer, a luxury concierge firm. Subsequently, Kavita transitioned into the sports and entertainment realm, where she thrived as a TV host and reporter, honing her expertise in media and communications. Additionally, she embraced the realm of entrepreneurship, delving into various business opportunities and acquiring invaluable insights from each endeavor. This amalgamation of experiences has played a pivotal role in shaping Kavita’s skills, knowledge, and deep-rooted passion for the convergence of luxury travel, distinctive destinations, fashion, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Kavita Channe:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
As a person, both inside and outside of the workplace, I am a passionate and driven individual. I believe in embracing life to the fullest and constantly seeking new experiences and opportunities. I am known for my energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the things I am truly passionate about. Whether it’s work-related or family related, I approach everything with a sense of curiosity and a desire to make a positive impact.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
The inception of Sip Channé began after a transformative trip to the enchanting South of France. After working nonstop for years covering different sports, I needed a break and took a month-long trip to Europe. It was my first time in Provence, and I absolutely fell in love with the food, the wine, the landscape, and the people. Although I had never been a rosé drinker before, I found myself being offered this delightful salmon colored drink at every place I visited and I instantly became a fan.
When I returned from my trip, I wasn’t able to find the same quality that I experienced in France. As fate would have it, there was this huge rosé conference in Cannes with rosé winemakers from all over the world, and I went under a “media” pass and met with over 100 of them in the span of a few days. By the end, I found a match, and a deal was made!
What has made you successful? What do you value?
What has made me successful is a combination of factors. Firstly, my unwavering passion and dedication to the wine industry have been instrumental in my journey. I truly believe in the power of wine to bring people together, create memorable experiences, and elevate everyday moments. This genuine passion has fueled my drive to constantly learn, grow, and innovate within the industry.
I also value authenticity and integrity in everything I do. Building a successful brand and business requires establishing trust with customers. By being transparent, honest, and true to our values, we have been able to build strong relationships and foster a loyal customer base.
Additionally, I recognize the importance of surrounding myself with a talented and supportive team. Collaboration and teamwork are essential for success, and I value the diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise that each team member brings to the table. Together, we strive for excellence and constantly push boundaries to deliver the best possible products and experiences to our customers.
Which are the products of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
At Sip Channé, we produce and offer premium wines rooted in Provençal tradition. We take pride in being a female and minority-owned brand that is family operated, which adds a unique touch to our organization. Our value proposition lies in bringing prestige, elegance, and iconic French flare to any wine list through our award-winning Provençal blends.
What sets us apart from our competitors is our unwavering commitment to quality. We collaborate with a small, family-owned winery located outside of St. Tropez, employing sustainable farming practices to ensure the highest standards of grape cultivation. Our vineyards boast 40–60+ year-old vines, which contribute to the complexity and distinct flavor profiles of our wines.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
The most important aspects of a company’s culture revolve around its values, communication, teamwork, and a positive work environment. These elements shape the way employees interact, collaborate, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
At Sip Channé, we believe in fostering a culture that promotes integrity, innovation, inclusivity, self-care, and a strong sense of teamwork. Our principles are centered around these core values, which guide our decision-making, actions, and interactions with both our team members and customers.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovative ideas are of great significance to our company. They allow us to stay dynamic and avoid stagnation in a rapidly changing world. For instance, when we launched our wine, we made a deliberate choice to eliminate the foil capsules on our bottle tops. This decision was made when we realized we did not need protection against pests or insects like we did in the olden days. This also showcased our branding on the corks, giving it a charming, old-world aesthetic. According to VinePair, most capsules end up in landfills, despite the fact that they are made from recyclable materials. This helped us be more sustainable and not waste materials when they were not needed.
What are your responsibilities as the Founder & CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
As the Founder and CEO of the company, my responsibilities are varied and encompass different aspects of running and growing the business. Some of my key responsibilities include setting the company’s vision and strategic direction, making important business decisions, building and leading a high-performing team, fostering relationships, and driving the overall success of the company.
While each day presents its own unique challenges and demands, the happiest part of my daily routine is seeing the progress and growth of our company. Witnessing the hard work and dedication of our team pay off, achieving milestones, and making a positive impact on our customers and industry brings me immense joy and fulfillment. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our vision come to life, to witness the positive outcomes of our collective efforts, and to know that we are making a difference. The happiness I derive from these moments motivates me to continue pushing forward, innovating, and striving for even greater success.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
As someone experienced in leadership, my advice for someone entering a leadership position for the first time would be:
- Embrace continuous learning and personal development.
- Build strong relationships based on trust and respect.
- Lead by example and demonstrate integrity and accountability.
- Develop a clear vision and involve your team in decision-making.
- Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Remember, leadership is a journey of growth, so stay open-minded, seek feedback, and continuously strive to improve your leadership skills.
