Guest Spotlight: Layla-Joy Williams, Founder & CEO of IYLIA — From Footwear to Fine Wine
Layla-Joy Williams is a creative powerhouse and the founder of IYLIA, a brand that began in the world of women’s luxury footwear and has since expanded into the adult beverage industry. With a background in industrial design and years of experience at top fashion brands like Nine West and Michael Kors, Layla-Joy has transformed her entrepreneurial drive into two thriving product lines. In this episode, she shares her journey from designing shoes in Spain to creating clean, high-quality wines that reflect her passion for craftsmanship and detail.
This Episode's Highlights
- From Footwear to Fine Wine: Layla-Joy transitioned from designing high-end shoes to producing Spanish wines when the pandemic disrupted global manufacturing.
- Pandemic Pivot: Stuck in Spain during COVID-19 lockdowns, she turned her energy toward learning the wine business from the ground up—right in the heart of Spanish wine country.
- Why Spanish Wine? She believes Spanish raw products offer superior quality and consistency compared to their Italian and French counterparts.
- Mindset for Success: Layla-Joy attributes her entrepreneurial growth to kindness and respect—treating everyone from servers to executives with equal dignity.
- Healthier Wine Habits: Her top tips to avoid wine hangovers? Stay hydrated, eat starchy foods, and get plenty of rest.
Watch the full episode to hear Layla-Joy’s inspiring pivot story and business advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99FVveuXBN8&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=6
Memorable Quote:
It’s important for you to be as respectful to the person that’s serving you food as the person who’s the executive at the company.