FRĒDA WOMAN: CAT CHEN
Say hello to the coolest wine enthusiast in the game, Cat Chen, who we’re so excited to have as a FRĒDA Woman! From the brand marketing world at Shoppe Amber Interiors to writing two books and now delving her way into the wine industry with Dulan, we can't wait to share her incredible story.
TALK TO US ABOUT YOU.
My career has gone in a few different directions, but I’m a big believer that they have all led me directly to the next adventure. I was in the corporate comms world representing companies like Facebook and Kickstarter, then moved into the interior design world and joined Amber Interiors at a pivotal point, where I was lucky enough to help build a consumer brand by way of marketing, licensing, and co-writing two best selling books. I’ve taken bits and pieces from every job I’ve had (corporate tech PR, hospitably PR, interior design branding and marketing, retail marketing) and applied them to Dulan. While all the jobs are completely different, I’m learning that you can find a throughline between industries and skills. At the end of the day, running and managing a company is about communication, respect, self-discipline, and organization.
I grew up spending time in Paso Robles with my father since I was 10 years old and learned about the wine world through osmosis, but as of last summer, I decided to turn this into my full-time job! I manage our vineyard in Paso Robles and work with local winemakers to sell a majority of our grapes. I also started my own label, Dulan Wine, which is all about intentional sipping and bringing a focus on old-world style wines. Our wines are made from 60+ year-old vines, and it’s important for me to share the intricacies and amount of time that it takes to make our wines. It’s been an absolute labor of love, learning along every twist and turn, and I am so grateful for everyone who has helped and encouraged me along the way.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START DULAN WINE?
I have always dreamed of starting and running my own company. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by entrepreneurs and builders who have only fueled my excitement to take the big leap myself.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MILESTONES DURING THAT EXPERIENCE?
Getting into my first restaurants and retailers! I don’t have a distributor (yet!), so this was a big accomplishment for me to take on a (at the time scary) role of sales and distribution. I learn so much from every meeting, find ways to improve, and remind myself that it can only get better from here.
HOW DO YOU FOSTER COMMUNITY WITH DULAN WINE?
This is something that’s always evolving. Community is the heartbeat of a well-loved brand and I think it’s important to read the room and learn about your community. I’m in the building phase where I’m also learning about my audience–who they are and what they want. What keeps them coming back for more? Or more critically: Why aren’t they coming back for more? In this early phase, it's incredibly important to accept criticism. Criticism is a gift. What can I learn from this? And what I mean by constantly evolving is that people's’ needs change. That’s a wonderful thing. How can we adapt?
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I don’t watch TV and we don’t have a TV in our house :)
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL SUPPORTED FROM THE GROUND UP?
My people! I cherish my friendships deeply. I believe that friendships are a two-way street, but at the same time, taking turns to show up for each other. Friendships are about understanding and empathy. Sometimes, you nourish your friends and sometimes you need them to nourish you. This is a long-winded way to say, that my friendships make me feel deeply supported.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AND STYLE ICONS.
I’m a bit of a chameleon when it comes to style—it changes by my mood and the situation. I go anywhere from a little edgy and cool to polished and sophisticated, and it truly depends on how I’m feeling that day. My style is always evolving and I hope it continues to :)
WE BELIEVE GETTING DRESSED MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD, WHAT IN YOUR CLOSET MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD?
I love getting dressed up just as much as I love being in jeans and a tank! There isn’t one thing that makes me feel my best–it’s really about how I’m feeling at that moment.
HOW DO YOU LIVE LIFE IN FRĒDA?
I can do it all in my FRĒDAs! I’ve owned a handful of pairs for 4+ years that are still as good as new that I wear all the time. They’re timeless and have become staples in my wardrobe. Anytime it’s raining in LA, I throw on my BROOKE Boots and now the SERA Fisherman Sandal is my go-to. I get stopped and asked about my SERAs every time I wear them out!
LA QUICK FIRE
FAVORITE SHOP: Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market
GO-TO RESTAURANT: All Time and n/soto
CAFFEINE KICK: Cappuccino with whole milk
SUNDAY ACTIVITY: Farmers Market
HIDDEN GEM: if I told you… ;)
RAINY DAY DESTINATION: a museum!
TOURIST ATTRACTION LOCALS LOVE: Hollywood Bowl and Greek theater