Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexie Paslawski.
Hi Lexie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started one rainy afternoon in Calgary when I flipped on the movie The Wedding Planner – I mean seriously, J Lo embodied this iconic character – ambitious, beautiful, kind, hard-working – the best of the best wedding planner out there. Fast forward a few years, I found myself feeling unfulfilled in the 8-5 corporate world just to pay the bills, while I worked every weekend doing what I really loved – wedding + event planning! My friends would always laugh and say, “Lex… you’re working all weekend, AGAIN?!” & as cliche as this sounds, it never felt like work because I loved every minute of my weekends.
My mom and I had looked for a few years at venues and companies from St. Louis to Nashville to Florida, but none that we felt confident enough to pull the trigger on. I applied at a few jobs in Calgary and Saskatoon – but it’s hard explaining you’re a dual citizen on a 5 question job application!
Mom and I used to walk Longview Park every week and would walk past this construction site that became known as Blacksmith Grove – where a gorgeous + modern barn now sits. Just before Covid hit, my mom Karen, her partner Jay and I stopped into a self-serve wine bar in Delray Beach and couldn’t think of one reason why we shouldn’t bring this concept to STL – paired with a convenient location without the windy, make-yourself-sick drive to the vineyards. *Insert me leaving my corporate job and the beginning of Wild Crush!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. We’ve had to remind each other to stay grounded and not lose sight of why we’re doing this. It’s alarming how quickly stress can take over your life if you let it. Last week, we actually took these personality exams to learn more about what each of us brings to the table – and instead of getting frustrated with weaknesses and shortcomings, it’s awesome to see the strengths each of us brings to the table. I couldn’t imagine opening up a business with anyone other than these two – they’re my team.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wild Crush?
My mom is the real MVP and mastermind behind the wine bar(n) concept. Her partner, a Jay, is equally supportive in every way and brings so much life & hospitality experience to our business. The three of us really focused on what we want the mission of Wild Crush to be – to provide a relaxing and welcoming hang-out spot, where new friendships begin and old friends connect to celebrate life’s everyday moments. Ultimately, we want to support our St. Louis community, give back through monthly charities and fundraisers – & have fun doing it. Our place offers a unique tasting experience – we have 24 self-serve wine dispensaries from Napa Technology that allow you to pay only for what you decide to pour, along with a full bar, wine slushies, charcuterie snacks – and a wrap-around dog-friendly patio that overlooks the park.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being kind – I’ve learned that there is so much in this world/industry that I don’t know yet. I think our success stems from being kind to others – whether it’s our construction team working on our buildout or the new employees we’re beginning to hire. Everyone in life has a story and you never know what people are going through; being kind, patient and remembering to listen along the way really help!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WildCrushSTL.com
- Instagram: @wildcrushstl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildCrushSTL/
