Nancy Ulloa

“Winemaking inspired me to become a business owner,” said Nancy Ulloa, Winemaker, Owner & Boss Lady of Ulloa Cellars. “I am most excited about utilizing my business and platform to create a path for other Latina women to feel inspired to become business owners and pursue their dream careers…. And excited to be a role model for little girls that could see themselves in me.” 

“I had no idea I would become a business owner. I didn’t grow up with anyone in my family being a business owner, so I thought that this was something out of my reach. When I produced my first wine, I did it solely with the mentality of learning. Once my wine was made, I started thinking about branding without realizing I was becoming a business owner. Once I realized what I was getting myself into, I switched gears and researched ways in which I could educate myself to make the best decisions moving forward with my career and business. That’s when I discovered WEV”, Nancy explained.   

She learned to be more vocal about her needs, and realized the resources are out there. She connected with WEV in early 2021 and took the QuickBooks class with a few friends. “WEV is such an incredible organization with endless resources. They helped me create a business plan, and to be clear about the direction and steps I needed to take to successfully launch my business.”   

Nancy’s passion for winemaking, wine education and advocacy for inclusivity of the Latinx community is gaining national attention. She’s been featured in the Napa Valley Register, Shoutout LA, Bar Convent Brooklyn — and Ulloa Cellars was named among the 2021 Hot Brands by Wine Business Monthly.  

Nancy said, “I love celebrating every milestone. When you celebrate yourself, you let the universe know that you are grateful and ready for more. I am currently celebrating becoming a fully licensed winery, being featured in Wine Business Monthly, receiving a grant that is allowing me to continue building my business, collaborating with other female business owners in my community, creating a life-work balance, prioritizing my mental & physical health and scaling my production rapidly.  

She also has some advice for other women who are looking to start a business: “Authenticity is the most powerful tool that you can use to attract clients. Be yourself, and everything will fall into place.”