{"id":1637,"date":"2019-06-11T15:42:18","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T22:42:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/?page_id=1637"},"modified":"2025-09-04T13:26:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T20:26:32","slug":"our-story","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/our-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

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How It All Began<\/h1>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”fifty-fifty image-left celebration light1″][vc_column width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1756824007033{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/HV9A1769-scaled.jpg?id=13126) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”mb0″]<\/p>\n

It all started with a carefree beach weekend, a group of friends, and a little paint & sip magic. Harriet Mills and her crew were just looking for a fun girls\u2019 night out when they stumbled into a local event. What they walked out with was so much more than just their paintings\u2014they left inspired, energized, and completely hooked.<\/p>\n

Back home in Raleigh, Harriet couldn\u2019t shake the feeling. That spark of creativity, connection, and pure joy? She wanted to share it. So, she opened her own studio and called it Wine & Design. The idea caught fire\u2014events sold out, word spread, and guests kept coming back for more.<\/p>\n

But it didn\u2019t stop there. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers started asking, \u201cHow can I do this too?\u201d Harriet realized she wasn\u2019t just building a business; she was creating a movement. Two years later, Wine & Design became a franchise, empowering other dreamers to bring the magic to their own communities.<\/p>\n

Today, Wine & Design<\/a> is more than a business: it\u2019s a lifestyle, a community, and an opportunity. Owning a Wine & Design franchise means stepping into a proven model, backed by a brand that\u2019s all about creativity, connection, and fun. It\u2019s your chance to turn your passion into profit, to bring people together, and to make every day feel like a celebration.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”fifty-fifty image-right h3s-surrounding-h2 little-chard dark1″][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”mb0″]<\/p>\n

Ready to join the pARTy?<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s make it happen!<\/h2>\n

Explore franchise opportunities today<\/h3>\n

GET STARTED<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1756846509387{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/potential-timeline-for-site.png?id=13127) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”fifty-fifty light1″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1752515867561{padding-top: 35px !important;}” el_class=”mb0″]<\/p>\n

Our Team<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”bio-row”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756846162583{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}” el_class=”bio-img-box”]\"Harriet[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756825761263{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}” el_class=”bio-text-box”]<\/p>\n

Harriet Mills<\/h4>\n

Founder & CEO<\/em><\/p>\n

Since 2015, Harriet Mills has been the driving force behind Wine & Design, building the brand into a nationally recognized leader in creative experiences. She\u2019s poured her energy into growing the company, assembling an incredible team of professionals, and supporting franchise partners across the country.<\/p>\n

Her entrepreneurial journey has earned her recognition from major outlets like ABC\u2019s Shark Tank<\/em>, The Wall Street Journal<\/em>, The New York Times<\/em>, Yahoo Finance<\/em>, and Triangle Business Journal\u2019s 40 Under 40<\/em>. But beyond the spotlight, Harriet is most proud of creating a familyfriendly business model\u2014one that gives franchise partners the flexibility and freedom to thrive both at work and at home.<\/p>\n

When she\u2019s not cheering on her team or brainstorming the next big idea, Harriet is a dedicated mom to three amazing kids (who keep her on her toes!) and one adorable puppy who never fails to steal the spotlight. She brings the same heart, hustle, and creativity to her family life as she does to her role as CEO\u2014proving that balance, joy, and success really can go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756844900667{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}” el_class=”bio-img-box”]\"Claudia[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756825772108{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}” el_class=”bio-text-box”]<\/p>\n

Claudia Wooten Harper<\/h4>\n

Director of Operations & Support<\/em><\/p>\n

Claudia\u2019s journey with Wine & Design began in 2012 when she purchased her first franchise in Wilmington, NC. Just two years later, in 2014, she expanded by opening a second location in Leland, NC.<\/p>\n

Through hard work and heart, Claudia grew both sales and brand recognition, quickly earning the nickname around town as the beloved \u201cWine and Design Lady.\u201d Her passion for the business and the creative community left a lasting mark on the local scene.<\/p>\n

Eventually, Claudia made the difficult decision to sell her studios and pursue a new path\u2014one that ultimately led her right back to where her heart has always been: the Wine & Design family. With over 10 years of experience, her return brings a deep well of knowledge, leadership, and love for the brand.<\/p>\n

Now more inspired than ever, Claudia is committed to providing unmatched support to our franchisees and collaborating on exciting new corporate projects. Her years of experience and strong business insight are helping guide each studio toward their own success story.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756844903699{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}” el_class=”bio-img-box”]\"Anna[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756825777358{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}” el_class=”bio-text-box”]<\/p>\n

Anna Lisa Leiber<\/h4>\n

Director of Marketing & Division Development<\/em><\/p>\n

What do you get when you mix an artist turned theater kid who loves stories? You get Anna Lisa\u2014Director of Marketing & Division Development, lover of glitter and iced coffee, and teller of pretty darn good stories.<\/p>\n

Anna Lisa has been part of the Wine & Design family since 2013 and joined the corporate team in 2022 to bring her storytelling magic to marketing. She\u2019s the creative force behind marketing materials and campaigns that highlight each studio\u2019s unique vibe and offerings to the world.<\/p>\n

She also leads our artists in delivering vibrant, inclusive, and excellent experiences for every customer.\u00a0 She also keeps the art library fresh and the social media pages buzzing with creativity. Anna Lisa is passionate about growing the Wine & Design brand and helping studios thrive nationwide.<\/p>\n

When she\u2019s not helping our studios sparkle, you\u2019ll find her painting murals that look like fairy tales and convincing everyone around her to read whatever book she\u2019s obsessed with.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756846170076{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;}” el_class=”bio-img-box”]\"josh[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756825782411{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}” el_class=”bio-text-box”]<\/p>\n

Josh Wade<\/h4>\n

Director of Studio Development<\/em><\/p>\n

With over a decade of hands-on experience at Wine & Design, Josh brings a wealth of creativity, leadership, and business savvy to his role as Director of Studio Development. Having worn many hats\u2014artist, manager, and multi-location owner\u2014he now works closely with new franchisees to bring their studios to life. From strategic planning and build-out to grand opening marketing and brand alignment, Josh ensures every new location is set up for success and steeped in the spirit of Wine & Design.<\/p>\n

Josh currently owns and operates three thriving studios along the picturesque Crystal Coast of North Carolina, his beloved hometown. His deep-rooted passion for art and community fuels his commitment to upholding brand standards and fostering the growth of the Wine & Design family nationwide.<\/p>\n

When he’s not coaching new owners or dreaming up creative campaigns, Josh is likely enjoying some downtime with his two dogs\u2014his favorite studio mascots and constant companions.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row el_class=”top-row dark1″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”mb0″] How It All Began [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”fifty-fifty image-left celebration light1″][vc_column width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1756824007033{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/HV9A1769-scaled.jpg?id=13126) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”mb0″] It all started with a carefree beach weekend, a group of friends, and a little paint & sip magic. Harriet Mills and her crew were just looking for … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Our Story”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1637","page","type-page","status-publish"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1637"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1637\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13179,"href":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1637\/revisions\/13179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wineanddesign.com\/franchise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}