Leaving an 18-year corporate career wasn’t an easy decision, but Becky Mitsathaphone knew she was ready for something new. She opened Wine Not Lounge with a simple goal: to create a welcoming place where neighbors could gather over a great glass of wine. Choosing a space at Carriage Crossing, one of several new businesses helping revitalize the development, felt like the perfect fit. It’s a special place with so much potential,” Becky says. “I’d love to see it become a destination that people are excited about again.” With cozy seating and thoughtful pours, Wine Not Lounge is helping make that vision a reality.

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How did Wine Not Lounge come about?

Wine Not Lounge started with a simple passion for wine and the connections it creates. Sharing a glass of wine has always been about more than the drink itself — it’s about the conversations, friendships, and memories that come with it. 

I wanted to create a space where people could gather, feel welcome, build relationships, and become part of a community.

What are your hopes and dreams for its future?

My biggest hope is to create a community, one memory at a time. I want it to be more than just a place to enjoy wine — I want it to be a place where people connect, build friendships, celebrate milestones, and feel like they belong.

I also hope to be part of the growth and revitalization of Carriage Crossing. If Wine Not Lounge can play even a small role in bringing people together, creating new experiences, and becoming something the community truly loves to be a part of, then I’ll consider that a success.

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If you weren’t running Wine Not Lounge, what would you be doing instead?

I would probably still be working in supply chain. I loved it because it was challenging — every day was different, and you were constantly solving problems and finding ways to keep things moving. When everything runs smoothly, no one notices. But when something goes wrong, everyone feels it.

That experience taught me resilience, organization, and how to stay calm under pressure, which, honestly, prepared me a lot for becoming a business owner.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

That I have never run a bar or restaurant before. The only thing I had experience running was my tab on the other side of the bar.

There were a lot of unknowns and plenty of “what ifs,” but I decided to take the leap anyway. Sometimes you take a chance and succeed, sometimes you get rejected, sometimes you fail — but every setback teaches you something and moves you one step closer to where you’re meant to be.

I’d rather take the risk, learn the lesson, and keep moving forward than spend my life wondering, “What if?” Opening Wine Not Lounge was built on that belief.

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Where do you find inspiration?

Lately, my greatest inspiration has come from someone I recently met here. They came into my life unexpectedly but have had a profound impact on the way I see challenges, opportunities, and myself. 

Their encouragement, wisdom, and belief in me arrived at a time when I needed it most. They’ve also challenged me to think bigger, be more intentional, and look for new ways to grow both personally and professionally. 

From creative marketing ideas to strategic ways to build relationships and expand a business, their advice has opened my eyes to opportunities I may not have seen on my own.

What’s your favorite local dish, and which wine would you pair with it?

The Lobster Ravioli at Coastal Fish is still one of my favorite dishes around. As for the wine pairing? I’d happily pair it with almost anything from Wine Not Lounge. The real secret ingredient is friends and family around the table.

Where do you take out-of-town guests for dinner?

Most of my out-of-town guests are family visiting from California, and one place I always enjoy taking them is Coastal Fish. It has a great atmosphere, great food, and it’s one of my favorite local spots to share with my family.

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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

A good friend told me to make a list and tackle a couple of things at a time instead of trying to do everything at once. That mindset really changed how I approach challenges, especially while opening Wine Not Lounge. 

There were definitely moments when I became overwhelmed and almost wanted to give up … but focusing on small goals each day helped me stay grounded and keep pushing forward. It reminded me that success doesn’t happen all at once — it’s built step by step through consistency, patience, and believing in the bigger vision.

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LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite recent movie? I still find myself going back to the classics. My favorites are Home Alone and Clueless — two completely different movies, but both never get old. One makes me laugh, the other reminds me that sometimes the best movies are the ones you can watch over and over again.

Dream vacation? My dream vacation is actually pretty simple. No phone, no laptop, no emails, and no schedule. Just me, a beach somewhere, a glass of wine in hand, and the sound of the waves. After years of pushing toward the next goal, the greatest luxury would be taking a moment to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the journey.

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For more inspiring FACES of Memphis, click HERE!