Imagine Norman Rockwell’s painting “Missing Tooth” - one girl looks on shyly from the background while the other gregarious girls chatter on about the missing tooth. Well, I was that shy girl and somehow Norman traveled forward in time and saw me. As painfully shy as I was on the outside back then, it was only my parents who knew the storm that was brewing. I may have been quiet, but my dad liked to describe it as quietly tenacious. I never backed down from a challenge - even the most daring challenge from the older brother - oh no, the challenge became what I loved.
Unfortunately for my parents, they had two extremely independent children. I was their youngest and after graduating high school, I flew across the world and lived in Russia for a little while. Upon my return, I headed off to the University of North Dakota for a degree in Aviation. Next up, I joined the Air Force Air National Guard. I enlisted as an A-10 Crewchief, but I quickly found a better match and commissioned in the Intelligence field. My parents could not guess my next endeavor, so they just learned to roll with it.
20 years later, after globe trotting and experiencing so much through the military, I decided to settle down. I jumped head first into buying and running a business with my parents. As we were purchasing a business from the previous owners, Hope & Kelley, I mentioned I could imagine opening a second location in two years. I think they believed I was crazy; nonetheless, we opened a second Olive and Vyne store in 2.5 years to share our food and wine knowledge within the Treasure Valley.
While we all have our own paths to follow, there’s always things we can learn and teach each other. With all my years in the military and running a business, there are two principles I hold most valuable. To anyone aspiring to go military or to be a business entrepreneur - here’s my advice as a Female Veteran Business owner.
EDITOR'S NOTE: On September 2022, Olive and Vyne - a wine, olive oil & balsamic vinegar shop located in the Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell - celebrated their Grand Opening. They offer three private themed rooms for guests and parties (by reservation). Individual rooms are decorated in the influence of Spain, Italy and France. For your holiday events, book them for a meeting or a private party under 10 people. Guests can arrange to bring one's own food and @oliveandvyne can provides the drinks.
For reservations: Contact Olive and Vyne
Instagram: @OliveandVyne