88. From Office Job to Gracie’s Wine Room: How Kelsie Gaffey Built a Viral Wine Bar on TikTok

How do you turn a raw idea into a real place people love?

Kelsie Gaffey founder of Gracie’s Wine Room, did it in just two months.

What began as a simple vision for the perfect Saturday afternoon wine spot became one of South Yarra’s most-talked-about venues, powered by transparency, social media, community, and a whole lot of grit.

In this episode, Kelsie joins us to talk about:

• From idea to open in 60 days — how she pulled off the build, the paperwork, and all the scrappy decisions that made it happen
• Making it happen on a budget — finding cash, pitching friends, and hearing “no” a hundred times before one yes
• Building a community, not just a bar — how TikTok became her business marketing channel, and her biggest cheer squad
• Right place, right vibe — why she chose Toorak Rd, launched in January, and built a space that feels as good as it looks
• The unfiltered side of hospo — staffing, late nights, council hoops, and leaning on your neighbours when you run out of wine glasses
• Leading with values — why she refuses to shut out regulars for private hires, even when it costs more
• What’s next — her new venture, Gracie’s Space, a creative co-working and event space built for women like herIt’s a playbook for momentum, self-belief, and building an IRL brand people don’t just visit, they belong to.

Check out Gracie’s Wine Room:

Instagram: @gracieswineroom

Get in touch with Kelsey:

TikTok: @kelsiegraceee

Follow the WIBS online:

Instagram: @thewibspod

Penny: @penny.macheras

Natasha: @natashamarcello_

Listen/links: https://linktr.ee/thewibspod

Website: https://thewibspodcast.com/

Email: info@thewibspod.com

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