88. From Office Job to Gracie’s Wine Room: How Kelsie Gaffey Built a Viral Wine Bar on TikTok
How do you turn a raw idea into a real place people love?Kelsie Gaffey founder of Gracie’s Wine Room, did it in just two months.What began as a simple vision for the perfect Saturday afternoon wine spot became one of South Yarra’s most-talked-about venues, powered by transparency, social media, community, and a whole lot of grit.In this episode, Kelsie joins us to talk about:From idea to open in 60 days — how she pulled off the build, the paperwork, and all the scrappy decisions that made it happenMaking it happen on a budget — finding cash, pitching friends, and hearing “no” a hundred times before one yesBuilding a community, not just a bar — how TikTok became her business marketing channel, and her biggest cheer squadRight place, right vibe — why she chose Toorak Rd, launched in January, and built a space that feels as good as it looksThe unfiltered side of hospo — staffing, late nights, council hoops, and leaning on your neighbours when you run out of wine glassesLeading with values — why she refuses to shut out regulars for private hires, even when it costs moreWhat’s next — her new venture, Gracie’s Space, a creative co-working and event space built for women like herIt’s a playbook for momentum, self-belief, and building an IRL brand people don’t just visit, they belong to.Check out Gracie’s Wine Room:Instagram: @gracieswineroomGet in touch with Kelsey:TikTok: @kelsiegraceeeFollow the WIBS online:Instagram: @thewibspodPenny: @penny.macherasNatasha: @natashamarcello_Listen/links: https://linktr.ee/thewibspodWebsite: https://thewibspodcast.com/Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.