Her Story
About nisha
Nisha Desai serves as wine manager at Total Wine in their New Jersey location, a role she has held for approximately 10 months. Prior to this, she owned and operated her own liquor retail business for 18 years, which she sold in May 2025. After briefly attempting retirement, she joined Total Wine following an interview process that led to a management position due to her extensive experience. Nisha holds a master's degree in computer science and previously worked in IT, advancing from junior software programmer to director of IT within four years. She pursued self-education in the beverage industry by obtaining certifications in wine, scotch, and beer. She also maintains a real estate license and continues to engage in real estate activities. Nisha emphasizes the importance of self-initiation, discipline, and ongoing learning in her career, values that contributed to her rapid professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with nisha
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Self-initiation is key. If I give you a job, if you cannot take 5 other jobs around it, then you're not self-initiating. If you're going to wait for somebody to give you instructions for every little thing, then you're not going to grow. There's always going to be mentors, but if you want to grow, you need to take on more tasks. That way you'll grow on your own and show your employer you're ready for the next role. That's how I became director in 7 years.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It's a great business. If anybody has to get into this business, they have to be open to learning, because the learning never stops. If you want to grow in the business, you have to be open to education.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The younger generation is not drinking as much, so we have to come up with innovative ways. We've seen a shift and diversified into non-alcoholic products that look like alcohol but have no alcohol to target that market. But if we keep our eyes open and focus on changes and are receptive to changing, it's still a great field.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Discipline and self-focus are very important. If you commit to something, you have to follow through. When I see young people not disciplined or committed, their growth is limited. If I have committed to a job, my employer hired me for that commitment, and I will do what I've been asked no matter what. If you fail at your commitment, you're failing in life. Discipline is key to growth.
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