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

Hi Melanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was a corporate executive for nearly 24 years working international marketing jobs based around the world. My husband and I were both Executive Platinum with a 6-year-old daughter at home. Jeff Van Gundy (is an American commentator for ESPN and former basketball coach for the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets had a great quote, “Your decisions reveal your priorities.”

I had come to a point where I realized I was missing her life and that it was time to reprioritize. The company that I worked for at the time was just recapitalized and it was the perfect time to do something else. I started as the “accidental” consultant — people I had worked with in the past started asking for my help. Six month down the line, I had validation I could be successful, could chose my clients and have a lot more fun in the process.

Dallas Wine Chick, the wine blog that I’ve written for almost 11 years was intentional. I was working as an executive at a large marketing conglomerate and early in my career there was a VP that we referred to as “Sleepy Bill” because no one actually knew what he did other than read the Wall Street Journal. I knew I had to understand the new social media coming by way or I’d be in the same boat.

I got on Twitter and started to talk about marketing realizing the 40 plus people that follow me reported to me. I switched to wine and told my husband when I hit a certain number of followers, I’d start the blog. Today I am ranked in the top 100 global wine bloggers in the world.

What should our readers know about your business?
Ofenloch Consulting is a marketing practice focused on taking innovative approaches to help B2B and technology companies tell their unique story, build pipeline and position differently to generate maximum results. It’s about helping companies tell their story.

I have been blessed. I have been able to choose who I work with and have a number of long-term clients. I don’t currently have a website. I have amazing clients and even am operating as a Chief Marketing Officer for a company that is in process of helping companies to transform their business in the energy space with data.

I’ve learned that if you take care of your clients, they will take care of you. It’s a matter of innovating and helping them meet their goals. It’s becoming a valued member of their team where you contribute always. It’s about being responsive as you are usually the person who is called in a pinch.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Assuming this is all Pre-COVID as my life is very different today than it was a year ago. A stop to the Bishop Arts District is always a must with a flight at Neighborhood Cellar and a meal at Taco y Vino. I’d definitely check out the Van Gogh exhibition. Restaurants would include Lovers Seafood, Shinsei, Sachet, Gemma, Boulevardier, Rapscallion and a glass of wine at Veritas Wine Bar.

We’d definitely go to Cafe Momentum and LaLaLand so we could do some social good supporting great businesses and get good food in the process.

If my friend were lucky, it would be Chefs for Farmers weekend, which is an amazing showcase of the best chefs and artisans together to celebrate supporting local and regional farmers at a three-day culinary blowout.

I’m hoping to get back on the wagon of trying some of the new restaurants and additions to our city soon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My very first client was Pallab Chatterjee, a brilliant man and internationally recognized high-tech executive. I had worked with him previously at i2 and then again at Symphony Technology Group. He’s become a friend, supporter, mentor and definitely deserves a thank you.

Website: www.dallaswinechick.com

Instagram: @dallaswinechick

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-ofenloch-a9969/

Twitter: @dallaswinechick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dallas-Wine-Chick-271813266236

Image Credits
Image as marked Thea Dwelle

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.