In celebration of Women’s Month, we interview Merecia Smith, founder of WAS Laboratory, the Western Cape’s first black-owned wine analysis lab. Smith’s journey from a general worker at Spier to launching her own laboratory is a testament to her dedication and growth in the winemaking industry.
Launched with support from Spier, including crucial financial and administrative backing, WAS Laboratory has become a key player in wine analysis.
Here, Smith shares her experiences, challenges, and the vision driving her success.
Can you tell us about your journey from starting as a general worker at Spier to launching your wine analysis laboratory?
I joined Spier in 1998 as a general worker and first started working in the wine analysis laboratory four years later. Through hard work and accuracy, I rose through the ranks, from being an assistant to ultimately becoming the lab's manager in 2018. With Spier's support, I launched my business, Wine Analytical Services (WASLab) in July 2019.
What inspired you to start WAS Laboratory, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the process?
My love and passion for the job inspired me to start my own lab. One of my biggest challenges is the SANAS 17025 accreditation that we've initiated but are unable to finalise due to the financial investment. Some of our biggest challenges as a small business remain the financial costs of technical equipment and building our client base.
How has the support and mentorship from Spier helped you in establishing and growing WAS Laboratory?
Initially, I found the idea of leaving full-time employment to launch my own business rather intimidating. However, I felt reassured by the support Spier was willing to offer me to help get my business off the ground.
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