320. Interview with Jen Pelka, Co-Founder and CEO of Une Femme: From Champagne Bars to Sparkling Success

Join Susan as she interviews Jen Pelka, the Co-Founder and CEO of Une Femme. Jen was the former CEO and founder of the beloved champagne bars, The Riddler, in New York City and San Francisco. She's also the founder of Magnum PR, a leading San Francisco-based restaurant PR agency. She's been recognized as one of the top 30 under 30 in her field due to her resilience, courage, and innovation.

 

In this episode, Jen shares her insights into fundraising and the importance of transparent communication with investors, the power of monthly investor updates, and the art of creating FOMO around fundraising opportunities.

 

Jen takes us on a journey through her entrepreneurial roller coaster, including the closure of her champagne bars due to the challenges posed by the pandemic. We delve into her latest venture, Une Femme, an award-winning sparkling wine. Jen's dedication to sustainability and diversity shines through as she discusses her partnership with Delta and the brand's rapid expansion into retail locations, including a collaboration with Target.

 

About Jen Pelka:

Jen Pelka is the Co-Founder & CEO of Une Femme Wines, which specializes in women-made Champagne & sparkling wines that give back to charities that benefit women. Previously, Jen was the CEO and founder of the beloved The Riddler Champagne bars in New York City and San Francisco, and the founder of Magnum PR, the leading San Francisco-based restaurant PR agency. Jen’s career in food and beverage began at Chef Daniel Boulud’s iconic New York Restaurant DANIEL, where she served for 5 years across a broad range of roles - kitchen stagier, Boulud’s Research Assistant, and eventually as the US Competition Director for the Bocuse d’Or under Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller. She went on to lead influencer marketing, content strategy, and media relations in-house at OpenTable, Gilt Taste, and Tumblr. Jen has been named Forbes “30 Under 30” for Food & Wine, Details “Digital Maverick”, and a Cherry Bombe “It Girl.” She was a recurring guest as a secret diner on Season 1 of Bravo TV’s “Best New Restaurant”, and a guest on Season 6 of “Top Chef.” Jen won an IACP Award Winner for Best Culinary or Brand Site in 2012, and was a James Beard Award nominee for Best Food Coverage in a Food Publication.

 

Connect With Jen:

Website https://unefemmewines.com/

Instagram @unefemmewines

Facebook @unefemmewines

LinkedIn @unefemmewines

 

About Susan Sly:

Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder and Co-CEO, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.

 

Connect With Susan:

Twitter @Susanslylive

Twitter @rawandrealentr1

LinkedIn @susansly

Facebook @susanslylive

Website https://susansly.com/

 

Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/