Alexandria Rizik is the founder of Poetry In A Bottle, an award-winning woman-owned wine company that combines Rizik’s passions for both poetry and wine. The brand’s red blend and Sauvignon Blanc are available online for nationwide shipping, as well as locally at various Valley restaurants and wine bars. Learn about Alexandria Rizik…
Follow at: @alexandria_rizik and @poetryinabottlewine
Hometown: Scottsdale
First job: My first job was at Armani Exchange at the Scottsdale Quarter and it lasted 24 hours because they found out I was 17 and turns out you have to be 18 to work there.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: In my free time, I love being with my family. I have three sisters who are my best friends. I come from a super close-knit, predominantly female, Armenian family so we’re together all the time. I also like to spend any free time I have, staying active—I’m obsessed with yoga and Pilates. And obviously, I love trying out new wine bars and restaurants. Arizona has so many great local wineries.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Debuting my own wine label has been my biggest accomplishment because it is challenging yet rewarding, and a different experience from my publishing and writing background. I have been hands-on with every step of the creative process for Poetry in a Bottle. It’s so exciting to see people enjoying a product that I created and put out there. I just want Poetry in a Bottle to bring people together, because that’s what it’s all about for me. Coming from an Armenian/Lebanese family, food and wine are a way for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and have a good time.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Regarding my business, my biggest obstacle has been convincing people to give me a chance. I’m a young female entrepreneur and I have this new product that no one knows, so it can be hard for people to take it seriously. As a woman, I feel that sometimes we have to work 10 times harder than men do for people to take a risk on our businesses, which in the long run has been such an important and valuable experience to go through. It has made me a stronger person and a harder worker. But I feel so blessed for the accounts that have taken a chance on me and my wine without even hesitating and supporting this as a small business from the very beginning.
Someone who inspires you and why: My mom is someone who really inspires me because she raised four strong, independent girls. Both my mom and dad always taught us to never depend on anyone, to make careers for ourselves, and they have always supported our dreams and what we want to pursue. Without my family, I couldn’t imagine balancing a business, especially starting it during the pandemic.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: You’re going to face a lot of rejection, but that goes for any type of entrepreneurial path as well as any creative path. You can’t get discouraged, you have to keep pushing forward and have trust in yourself (and faith in God!) and what you’re presenting to people. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?
Favorite quote: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” –Andy Warhol
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m a certified yoga teacher.
What makes someone fabulous: A fabulous person is a confident person who not only believes in themselves but also believes in others and is confident enough that they encourage people to chase their dreams too. There is room for everyone to succeed!