Paradise Rodriguez-Bordeaux is a multi-talented person whose activities are difficult to describe in one or two phrases. A fashion model, entrepreneur, CEO, author, actress, philanthropist, and activist, she demonstrates impressive passion, engagement, and perseverance in everything she undertakes. This year Artémis Vines, one of the brands founded by Paradise, was named a winner of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards in the category of Best Luxury Wines Brands in the USA. It was a great reason to talk to Paradise Rodriguez about her wine business, philanthropy, and sources of inspiration. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: To begin with, let’s talk about the beginning of your journey. What preceded your professional career, and what shaped your character? 

Paradise Rodriguez-Bordeaux:  The truth is, I come from extremely meager means. To sum up a very sad story, I have been hungry, I have been homeless, and I have survived that…and more. My desire to do more than just survive is what pushes me forward. I was 14 when I started my first business (a daycare), and I continued with that until I was 18. I knew I wanted to thrive, so I sought out books to educate myself and begin my journey. 

LLA: How did you get into the wine business? Was it a long-time dream, or was it a spontaneous decision? 

PR: My venture into wine, I suppose, started before I even knew what was happening. I remember visiting family friends when I was 14, and I asked them what they were drinking in their glass. I’d seen wine before, but this wine was the darkest red one could imagine. They asked me if I wanted to try it. Naturally, a curious Paradise simply had too. Much to the surprise of none of the adults, I was not a fan. It was bitter to the taste (what I would later learn to be dry). However, I was extremely curious as to how the grapes could make such a drink. I asked the adults and they shushed me away, telling me, “it’s a lot of work and to just read about it” …and so I did. I have a passion for knowledge, and it was bothering me that I couldn’t understand this process, especially since I’ve had grape juice and it didn’t taste anything like that. Who knew that many years later that I would have a personal hand in that process. 

LLA: How would you describe the essence of Artémis Vines to those who are hearing about it for the first time? 

PR: Artémis Vines™ are ever expanding. The core of this company is Quality and Community. We believe in creating a quality product that serves our communities globally. Being in the wine industry requires patience, persistence, preparation, purpose, and passion. These 5 P’s are an integral “ingredient” in every bottle of Artémis Vines. 

LLA: Which aspects of Artémis Vines are most valuable to you? 

PR: As important as the grapes are, my team is the most valuable asset I could ever have. It is them that allows me to continue my education at Harvard and continue on with my other business and philanthropic ventures. I always tell others to find a team that you can trust and take them all the way with you. They will be the foundation to your empire.  

LLA: What sets Artémis Vines apart from other wine producers? 

PR: Our approach to winemaking is “pre-industrial.” We believe that for anyone attempting to make fine wine, modern additives and overly industrial processing limit true quality where we make our decisions based upon taste, not a recipe. While we understand that there are benefits to the increasing technological advancements in wine, we believe in being balanced and transparent. We are committed to sustainability, as well as providing a safe and mentally healthy environment for our team members. We are smaller, but in our world, quality beats quantity. 

LLA: Artémis Vines is part of the extensive Artémis Collections. Could you elaborate on this company? 

PR: I dreamt of starting something completely new for myself and peers. I wanted to help others, but I knew that would require a lot of money. Instead of doing fundraisers, I decided giving others something they could benefit from while helping others was more ideal. In this way, I would also be creating jobs to further help families.  Establishing high-quality, but accessible products was the primary goal.  The Artémis Collections™ is a company dedicated to producing delicious wines, fashion-forward couture products, vegan & cruelty-free beauty cosmetics, and high-quality skincare that works, and we try to be as eco-friendly as possible! It has been an honor to support our communities. Proceeds from every purchase will go to  The Catch A Falling Star Foundation™ and the fight against human trafficking, domestic violence homelessness/hunger, resources for those with additional needs, and the fight for better resources for our Vets. 

LLA: Your businesses are connected in some way to another one of your brainchild, The Catch A Falling Star Foundation™. What does this organization do? 

PR: When I started The Catch A Falling Star Foundation™, I knew that our strength lied not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly, through the actions of our initiatives. Back in 2008, I realized that by working together, we could overcome our challenges much more efficiently, and that is why I ultimately decided to launch The Catch A Falling Star Foundation™. It was very clear that dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. The Catch A Falling Star Foundation™ emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 2008, we’re now an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support. No one is alone. 

LLA: Your multidisciplinary activities require a lot of attention, time, and effort. Where do you get the inspiration and energy to keep it all under control? 

PR: Having not had the privilege of a stable life growing up, nor a traditional education, I wanted to carve out a piece of the world where I would belong. This meant that I had to stop surviving and start living. I have built my empire, brick by brick, with the intent that I would never again be homeless or hungry. I knew that if it was something I desired, it had to be something others did as well. I see them, the people, out there fighting forward and refusing to give up. THEY are my inspiration and a huge part of my “why”. I used to dream that someone would come and fight not just for me, but with me… but no one ever did. It would be such an insult to my journey and survival for me to know what that feels like and not try to fight for and with others. 

Sure, it does get tiring. I own several companies, I am full-time enrolled at one of the hardest educational institutions in the world, I run a global foundation, I have my own hobbies, and I am battling several major health issues like Ovarian Cancer. The keys to managing all of this are: 

1) Balance. Your mental health is EVERYTHING. Though I am studying to become a behavioral psychiatrist, I still believe that I should speak to a therapist to shed my own traumas and the trauma of others that my work can sometimes cause me to carry. I take midday naps, daily. I take my Sundays to myself quite seriously. I also ensure that in the midst of all my work, I am taking a moment to enjoy, and just “be”.  

2) Delegate Accordingly. I used to believe that I had to do it all; after all, it was the lifestyle I was used to. As I grew, I had to accept that there was only one of me, and it was impossible to be everywhere at once. I reminded myself that I can’t help anyone if I am burnt out…or worse. Having a great and committed team along this journey helps me a great deal. 

LLA: The experts at the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Awards named Artémis Vines one of the best luxury wine brands in the U.S. in 2021. What are your emotions about it? 

PR: I honestly wasn’t expecting it. Knowing that this company literally views businesses from all around the world, I knew the chances of us earning this award (especially with us being so young) was going to be slim…but I still had to give it a shot. If I backed down every time the odds were against me, I’d still be that homeless teenager slipping behind a shed. I was just happy that someone was taking the time to hear about this big baby of mine. When I was told that we were named the best luxury wine brand in the U.S. in 2021, I had to take a moment to thank God and my late Grandpère and Grandmère. While I didn’t get to have a relationship with him, and my relationship with her only lasted 1 year before she passed, it is in there and my late sister’s, Kaytya, the inspiration for The Catch A Falling Star Foundation™, honor that I accept this award and continue on the work.   

LLA: Please share a few inspirational words with those who are at the beginning of their journey in big business. 

PR: Life is hard, but that doesn’t mean achieving our goals is impossible. You’ve got to embrace all that you are, unapologetically. Step outside your comfort, and run forward with your soul.