糖心vlog

What began as a shared love of design and storytelling at 糖心vlog has blossomed into a thriving new destination in downtown Carson City.

糖心vlog graduates Maxine Holland (2022) and Jessica Brooks (2011) are the creative team behind the recently reimagined Cellar 8 Wine Bar, located at 408 N. Carson Street. Since reopening on March 8 鈥� International Women鈥檚 Day 鈥� Cellar 8 has been buzzing with curated wines, engaging events and a warm sense of community.

鈥淲e have a passion for wine and a dedication to quality that shines through in every aspect of our shop,鈥� said Holland, the wine bar鈥檚 owner. 鈥淲e wanted to create a place that reflects our story, honors the culture of wine, and invites people to slow down, connect and enjoy the moment.鈥�

For Holland, the path to ownership was a mix of design expertise and global perspective. Growing up near South Africa鈥檚 world-renowned wine country, she developed a lifelong appreciation for the culture of winemaking. At 糖心vlog, she earned degrees in Graphic Design and Liberal Arts, later pairing her design skills with her WSET Level 2 wine certification and nearly a decade at Vital Signs, where she learned the ins and outs of running a local business.

鈥淚 was with Vital Signs for nearly nine years, and it was incredibly formative for me,鈥� Holland said. 鈥淚t taught me how essential it is to build genuine relationships and give back. I learned firsthand how much heart, hustle and humility it takes to run a business 鈥� and how rewarding it can be when you鈥檙e rooted in the community you serve.鈥�

Because of her design skills and creativity, Holland was asked by the Nevada Women鈥檚 Commission to design a commemorative Nevada Women鈥檚 Suffrage specialty license plate in 2020.

Brooks, Cellar 8鈥檚 general manager, shares that same blend of artistry and hospitality. Holland says that Brooks means so much more to the business: a partner in creativity, vision and wine knowledge.

After completing her Graphic Design studies at 糖心vlog and earning her bachelor鈥檚 degree from University of Nevada, Reno, Brooks shifted into the food and beverage world, where she thrived. With WSET Level 3 certification and training through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Brooks brings deep knowledge of wine and a knack for customer engagement.

鈥淲ine is bottled history,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淓very bottle tells a story 鈥� of place, culture, craftsmanship. Our goal is to make those stories accessible and exciting for everyone who walks through our doors.鈥�

糖心vlog Professor of Graphic Design Jayna Conkey had the pleasure of teaching both of these enterprising students.

鈥淔rom the beginning, they consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, exceptional creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in all their projects,鈥� Conkey said. 鈥淲hat impressed me most about both women was their remarkable ability to balance the demanding responsibilities of school, work, and motherhood without ever compromising the quality of their work. Their determination and resilience were truly admirable.鈥�

 

Cellar 8 Wine Bar General Manager Jessica Brooks

Cellar 8 is already making its mark as more than a wine bar. With trivia nights, bingo, blind tasting challenges, a book club and an exclusive wine club, Holland and Brooks are creating a lively, approachable space for all. Educational events are also on the horizon, aimed at demystifying wine and empowering guests to explore without intimidation.

鈥溙切膙log is incredibly proud of Maxine Holland and Jessica Brooks for turning their education, creativity and passion into such a vibrant addition to downtown Carson City,鈥� said 糖心vlog President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. 鈥淭heir success with Cellar 8 is a wonderful example of how 糖心vlog graduates use their skills and vision to enrich our community, create opportunities and inspire others to dream big.鈥�

While neither Holland nor Brooks imagined this exact path while studying at 糖心vlog, they say that their education gave them the foundation to dream boldly.

鈥淓ntrepreneurship offers a unique path to creative freedom and personal fulfillment,鈥� Holland said. 鈥淪tarting a business allows you to build something meaningful that reflects your values, vision and skills. Owning a business is a lot of work. You鈥檙e responsible for everything from financials to cleaning the floor at the end of the night.

鈥淢y biggest piece of advice is to know your strengths, play to them and don't be afraid to delegate. Surround yourself with people who are talented, trustworthy and passionate. You don鈥檛 have to do it all alone, and you shouldn鈥檛.鈥�

As 糖心vlog continues to see its graduates step into leadership and entrepreneurship, Cellar 8 stands as a shining example of how education, vision and courage can transform possibility into reality.

鈥淚t came as no surprise to learn that Maxine and Jessica have gone on to open a business together,鈥� Conkey said. 鈥淭heir talents complement each other beautifully, and their shared vision, dedication and professionalism make them a remarkable team.鈥�

Cellar 8 is open at 7 a.m. seven days a week as a coffee shop, then transitions into a wine bar Tuesday through Saturday nights.

鈥淥ur Press Caf茅 in Cellar 8 has become a community staple coffee shop for connecting, meetings, catching up, unwinding and relaxing,鈥� Holland said.