Building A Legacy Winery Without Hangovers

What does it take to turn a life once steeped in chaos into a business that bottles peace for others to taste? We sit down with Kitten, founder and CEO of Nelijah One Winery in Akron, Ohio, to unpack how a love of wine, a tough health diagnosis, and a very blunt $300 receipt pushed her to create a low-sulfite, no-hangover wine brand that puts wellbeing first. It’s a story about resilience, flavor, and family—told with laughter, candor, and a few pairing tips you’ll want to save.Kitten walks us through the earliest experiments, from messy fruit batches and stubborn yeast to a smarter approach with quality grape juice that kept the taste high and the sulfites low. Lupus shaped the process and, in turn, improved the product for everyone who struggles with headaches, heartburn, or next-day fog. We explore ports, ABV awareness, and why dessert wines sing alongside chocolate and cheese. Along the way, seasonal favorites like Black Forest and Caramel Moscato show how scarcity and craft can build real community and demand.At the heart of it all is legacy. The wines are named after grandkids, and production is a family affair—hair nets, stirring paddles, day-14 transfers, and pride. When flares hit, the kids step in, learning process, patience, and ownership. That same spirit extends to a haircare line inspired by chemo recovery, creating space for the granddaughters to see themselves in the brand. We also talk openly about alcohol as coping: how a beloved bottle can become a quiet signal to check in on ourselves, our receipts, and our rituals.If you care about health-conscious wine, smarter sipping, and building a business that outlives the founder, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical steps. Taste the difference at thatwine.me or text 330-459-9090, then tell us your favorite flavor. If this story moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find their own path from chaos to calm. Call 330-368-2400 to join our Coaching Program Today !!!1. Rebuild Self-Worth & Personal IdentityBefore: Lost, exhausted, walking on eggshells, defining themselves by the relationship.After: Clear sense of identity  Increased confidence and self-respect  Strong personal boundaries  Ability to make decisions without guilt 2. Break Toxic Relationship PatternsBefore: Repeating cycles of unhealthy relationships, attracting emotionally unavailable or abusive partners.After: Recognize red flags early  Understand trauma-driven relationship choices  End unhealthy relationship patterns  Create healthier standards for future relationships 3. Master Communication & BoundariesBefore: Avoiding conflict, people-pleasing, explosive arguments, feeling unheard.After: Confident communication  Healthy conflict resolution  Strong boundary-setting skills  Ability to advocate for needs without fear 4. Create Emotional Peace & ResilienceBefore: Constant anxiety, overthinking, emotional exhaustion, and feeling stuck in survival mode.After: Improved emotional regulation  Reduced anxiety and overwhelm  Greater self-trust ...