“My advice to anyone with an idea is to take action”

Introducing Fabienne, the Founder of Fabstwines on a mission to revolutionise the world of wine and hospitality. After over a decade living in bustling cities like London and Dubai, Fabienne returned to Luxembourg to embark on her own startup journey. Join us as we delve into her compelling story, uncovering the reasons why she chose Luxembourg and the inspiring circumstances that sparked her passion to launch her own company.

What inspired you to create Fabstwines and why did you to take the leap into entrepreneurship?

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, starting my own venture was always in my blood. But I didn't want to simply follow their path—I wanted to discover my own passion. That's why I studied International Management and ended up in Dubai, immersing myself in different cultures and mentalities. All the while, I had this burning desire to embark on my own adventure, though I had no clue what it would be.

Along the way, I took on various jobs—headhunter, marketer, product manager—you name it. Instead of climbing the corporate ladder, I sought diverse knowledge and experience in the startup world. My dad taught me that no matter what you do, you need to understand every aspect of your company, so as a kid, I was right there with him, learning the nitty-gritty details.

My dad taught me that no matter what you do, you need to understand every aspect of your company, so as a kid, I was right there with him, learning the nitty-gritty details.”

After leaving my last job during the COVID pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. I knew I didn't want to be an employee anymore—I craved something of my own. But what that "something" was, remained a mystery. So, I spent months soul-searching and scribbling notes until I had a eureka moment.

It turned out that my passion had been right under my nose all along—hospitality! I've always had a deep connection with restaurants and fine dining. That realisation made me aware of a major problem in the hospitality industry, particularly in the wine sector—an outdated and confusing landscape. Who knows what to drink at a restaurant or which bottle to pick at a supermarket?

So, I decided to shake things up and bring some modernity, fun, and education into the wine world. That's how Fabstwines came to be. My goal is to make choosing and buying wine easy and enjoyable for everyone, whether you're in a fancy restaurant or browsing an online shop. But let me tell you, this is just the beginning. I dream big and have a grand vision that extends beyond Fabstwines, reaching into the hospitality and hotel industry.

As a woman in the hospitality industry and now also in the field of technology, what challenges have you faced along your journey and how did you overcome them?

I must admit that being a young female entrepreneur in Europe presents its own set of obstacles. In my previous experience in the Middle East, I found that people were open to listening and valued my input, even at a younger age. However, in Europe, there is a perception that youth equates to a lack of knowledge or experience, and it feels like I have to constantly prove myself. I have encountered instances where suggestions were made to bring someone more senior on board due to my age, which can be disheartening. This can make it more challenging to gain trust and respect.

Adaptability is another challenge I've faced as a first-time entrepreneur. Developing something innovative requires constant improvement and a willingness to listen to customers.

Nevertheless, these challenges have only fuelled my determination to overcome them, and education has been a key factor in conquering these obstacles. I believe in constantly educating myself to ensure I have the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed. For instance, I obtained a sommelier certificate to enhance my understanding of the wine industry and undertook a coding course to grasp the power and potential of technology.

What specific steps did you take to turn your startup idea into an actual business? Were there any strategies or approaches that you found particularly effective?

Turning my startup idea into a real business was a journey filled with important steps, but when it comes down to it, the key is all about execution. So many people have great ideas, and I'm sure there are others who have already thought about the same idea as mine. But the difference lies in stopping the overthinking and simply going for it. I realised that waiting for the "perfect" time or obsessing over a flawless business plan would only hold me back. Instead, I took the leap and started executing.

I realised that waiting for the "perfect" time or obsessing over a flawless business plan would only hold me back. Instead, I took the leap and started executing.”

It's important to find a balance between being smart and not overthinking. It's a learning curve, and mistakes are bound to happen along the way. But I'd rather make mistakes and learn from them than never take any action at all. So, my advice to anyone with an idea is to take action. Create an action plan, think about what makes sense to start from A to Z, and then just start. As you progress, you'll naturally adapt and make necessary changes.

Having a vision and a sense of where you want to go is crucial, but it's equally important to remain open-minded. Don't be too stubborn about the specific path to reach your goals. Life will guide you and present new opportunities and challenges along the way. Embrace those changes, follow your instincts, and take action. Trust that life will guide you in the right direction.

Building a startup requires a strong support system. How did you find the support and resources available in the Luxembourg ecosystem when you started?

Finding support and resources in the Luxembourg ecosystem has been instrumental in my startup journey. With my roots close to the German border and having lived abroad in London, Switzerland, and Dubai, I've experienced diverse environments. However, two factors drew me to Luxembourg.

First, as a wine company, being situated in the centre of Europe made perfect sense. The location offers easy access to airports and a thriving startup ecosystem. I've connected with numerous young, entrepreneurial-minded individuals from various cultures and backgrounds. We support and learn from one another, fostering a collaborative environment.

The vineyards are just next door, allowing easy collaboration with local suppliers and partners. This proximity has proven invaluable in creating strong, mutually beneficial relationships.”

Additionally, being close to family was crucial for me. Luxembourg not only provides proximity but also presents an idyllic setting. The vineyards are just next door, allowing easy collaboration with local suppliers and partners. This proximity has proven invaluable in creating strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

While expanding the business to different countries is on the horizon, the headquarters will remain in Luxembourg. The support and resources available, combined with the feeling of being at home, have been instrumental in my journey.

Many aspiring women entrepreneurs may hesitate to pursue their dreams due to fear of failure or societal expectations. How did you navigate these pressures, and what advice would you give to other women considering starting their own ventures?

Personally, I value my freedom and the ability to create something tangible. It's incredible to see the results of hard work and overcome challenges. Embracing failure is essential for growth. Of course, anxiety may sneak in, but I always remind myself of the alternative—being stuck and unhappy in some other place where I totally wouldn't belong.

Every small step counts, and each day brings me closer to my dream. Celebrate achievements and stay determined. With passion and perseverance, you can achieve your goals, even if it takes time. Believe in yourself and take pride in every progress you make towards your vision, even if it’s as simple as sending just one email a day.

In your experience, what unique strengths and perspectives do women bring to the tech industry, and how do you believe diversity can positively impact this field?

We all know we're amazing, right? But jokes aside, women are capable of so much. Whether it's leading from behind, in front, beside, or next to someone, we bring a diverse range of strengths. It's important that we support each other, no matter our backgrounds. I'm thrilled to see progress towards equality.

Just take a look at the strong women leading companies like Jumeirah and Rosewood in the hospitality industry. It's truly inspiring to witness the opportunities and strengths they bring to the table.

What are the future plans or next steps for Fabstwines?

Oh, we have so many exciting plans for Fabstwines! We're taking big steps towards launching the next phase of our platform. We'll be expanding our wine selection and adopting a b2b and b2c approach, collaborating closely with restaurants, hotels, bars, and connecting with the mass market consumers.

Our next goal is to make a significant impact in the hotel industry and transform the global hospitality scene. We want to elevate it, modernise and create a space where young talents are happy to work. It's an ambitious journey, but we're determined to get there, one step at a time