We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Dunlop and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I have had many different types of jobs over the years and have had many different experiences, from startup to corporate to freelance. I realized that I was tired of working really hard so that other people could have a valuable business. I wanted to own my own business so that I could reap the rewards of my hard work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started out as a beauty, health, and fitness editor for magazines including JANE, Marie Claire, and more. It was not easy to break into that world and that was my first lesson in being tough, scrappy, and relentless in reaching my goals. I got my “dream job” at a very young age. When I was 24 I was hired at JANE magazine, which was the only job I’d ever wanted. I think getting your dream job at a very young age is a blessing and a curse. I am so happy I worked there, but a few years into the job the parent company closed the magazine and I was laid off at age 27 from the only job I’d ever wanted. It was shocking, but looking back I realize that’s what planted the seed of entrepreneurship. I swore to myself that I would never be at the mercy of one company ever again. From there I diversified myself. I freelanced for all sorts of different businesses, doing editorial writing, brand copywriting, consulting, and more. I jumped online and learned how to create posts and content for digital outlets. Eventually I realized I wanted to take the leap to starting my own business, but without investor funding or a personal trust fund I wasn’t sure how to proceed. So I took the radical step of leaving my beloved New York City, where I had lived for 16 years, to move back to my hometown in Missouri where the cost of living is very low and I could take a risk without needing a ton of money. I launched a small skincare popup boutique called Good Skin Day. It grew into a larger spa and skincare line and I partnered with a holistic esthetician, Michelle Feldman, to build it. Eventually that grew into an idea for a clean, additive-free wine company that would complement our clients’ healthy lifestyles and not derail their skincare routines.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in the Missouri Ozarks and when friends from New York City visit I love to show them around. First and foremost, there is excellent BBQ. I always take visitors to a restaurant called Whole Hog for ribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends. If someone is interested in antiques and flea markets, take them to all my favorite flea market spots. This is the best region in the country for excellent, cheap antiques. It’s truly a hidden gem. And finally, we have to go to the lake. (Yes, just like the Jason Bateman show, Ozark.) I love to rent a boat, pack a cooler of drinks and snacks, and roam around the lake, stopping to swim and chill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a business partner: Michelle Feldman. Together we concepted and grew our DTC wine business called Good Clean Wine.

Website: goodclean.wine

Instagram: @goodcleanwine

Twitter: @goodcleanwine_

Facebook: @goodcleanwine

Image Credits
Christine Bonnivier, Jon Feldman, Tessa Cooper

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