Lifestyle

A Tale of Challenges and Champagne in the Life of an Entrepreneur

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A new sip-and-shop has officially opened on the island, named Merchant’s Cellar, located in the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 23, 2026

Denielle Miller

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – A new sip-and-shop has officially opened on the island.

During their soft launch, one of the founders sharing his entrepreneurial journey with our Denielle Miller.

Denielle Miller – demiller@cablebahamas.com

“Merchants Cellar, we have wine for you as you shop, so it’s kind of giving a different vibe, a more adult but playful shopping vibe. See, I figured you called it Merchants Cellar because of the wine, at least that’s verified. I was to the front of the class, A plus.”

Last weekend, a new shopping experience was introduced in the market.

The Merchant’s Cellar is located in the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza.

It provided consumers with a range of essential items, as well as glasses of wine or apple cider while shopping.

One of the company’s founders, Oquendo Lewis, told us that the concept was inspired during one of his visits to China.

Oquendo Lewis – Founder, The Merchant’s Cellar

“You broaden your horizons as you travel, right? It’s sort of like a cliché thing to say, but when you go somewhere as far as the Far East, Asia, you see a completely different concept of culture and life, how they live in those countries. And getting used to that, seeing the way they do things, there’s a lot of exchanges or things that you can incorporate into your business and how you move.”

Lewis confessed that this was not his first time in the retail sector.

Formerly the owner of Miniso, Lewis told me the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to close their doors.

He shared with me that even though one concept did not succeed, it should never discourage your aspirations.

Oquendo Lewis – Founder, The Merchant’s Cellar

“You can’t give up when things don’t work. You have to keep trying.”

It’s a philosophy he attributes to his mentors, and he said cultivating relationships with like-minded individuals can assist in navigating the challenges of being a business owner.

Oquendo Lewis – Founder, The Merchant’s Cellar

“It’s a lot easier to do when you have others who understand the concept of what you’re trying to do and also help you carry the burden.”