Meet Erica Chiles | Wine, Charcuterie, & Sneaker Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Chiles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting The Sommelier in Sneakers came during COVID. I had a corporate job that I had been doing for a couple of years and though I really enjoyed my job, I wanted to have a creative outlet. I started my career after college in the wine & spirits industry and as a “sneakerhead” with significant knowledge about wine, the winemaking process, and the industry, The Sommelier in Sneakers just came to me. I didn’t know exactly what direction I wanted to take it in, and the charcuterie board piece came in later after realizing that was something I really enjoyed doing. I love talking to people about wine and I wanted a space for young people and more diverse audiences to learn about wine. Then, when I started making charcuterie boards for clients, things really took off. I am the daughter of a very successful entrepreneur, so I think having an entrepreneurial spirit was always in me and something that was supported.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think the thing that sets The Sommelier in Sneakers apart from others is my real interest and love of the wine industry. There are many charcuterie businesses that exist, as well as many people that work within the wine industry but not many that combine both. I always wanted wine to be more accessible and specifically to people of color who are not commonly found in the wine industry and The Sommelier in Sneakers meshes those two things. I started working for a wine distributor as my first job out of college and absolutely fell in love with it. The love for charcuterie came during COVID and has continued to grow. It was not easy but with the support of family and friends, my business has only continued to thrive. I, like any other new entrepreneur have had my share of bumps and bruises business wise, taken a few losses, but none that I couldn’t come back from. I’ve learned that excellent customer service is key. I really try to be flexible and accommodating with my clientele and I think that is the biggest component to my success. As well as my creativity and real passion for what I am doing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Dallas and I wanted to show them a great time, I think we would go on a food tour. I am a big foodie and I love sports so that would be on the list, plus OF COURSE sneaker shopping. I would want to go to Al Biernat’s, Del Frisco’s Grille and Kona Grill for Happy Hour. Tailgating at a Cowboys game and sit courtside for a Mavs game, which is an absolute must if you’ve never done it. I would hope to bump into Cynt Marshall at the Mavericks Game because I think she is absolutely amazing. I would want to go to Prized Kicks in Legacy West to check out their selection. I would take them to Amy Holly in Bishop Arts and shop for kaftans with Amy Hampton, and have a tasting in her Sociologie Wine tasting room (the rose is a must). I would take them to Sneaky Pete’s at Lake Lewisville and out on a boat. I’m a big outdoors girl as well so anything outside would be good. I would take them to the Star and to Honor Bar and shopping in Highland Park Village.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout would first go to my family. My parents are absolutely amazing and always support my goals and dreams and always willing to help with prep and delivery, my late brother, who was the biggest fan of The Sommelier in Sneakers though he didn’t get to see it come to fruition, he knew the potential that it had from the beginning. My little sister-cousin Opal who has spent many long nights helping me during the holidays and the rest of my family who encourages all of my creative passions. My best friends Caitlin and Teri, (who recommended me for this interview) and who have been there since college spending all of the late nights crying from laughing so hard in the library when we were supposed to be studying. And to all the women of color in the wine industry who came before me and made me see my dream as a possibility. 

Website: thesomminsneakers.com

Instagram: @thesomminsneakers

Linkedin: The Sommelier in Sneakers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesomminsneakers

Other: TikTok @thesomminsneakers