The Sound Behind the Sip.
Some friendships are built in boardrooms. This one was built at music festivals. Ashley and Terrance met in Minneapolis over a decade ago, connecting as young, Black professionals over a shared love of music, culture, and being in the room where things happen.
From local shows to the Coachella desert, the experiences they shared, as well as Ashley's life as a DJ and event curator, quietly laid the foundation for what WINYL would eventually become.
From local shows to the Coachella desert, the experiences they shared, as well as Ashley's life as a DJ and event curator, quietly laid the foundation for what WINYL would eventually become.
The Founder
Ashley Johnson is a DJ, finance strategist, and the creative force behind WNYL. Holding an MBA from UCLA Anderson, her career spans JPMorgan, EY, Cargill, and Opus United and she currently serves as Head of Finance at Artefact, a global AI firm valued at over $1B. She's always operated at the intersection of music, culture, and business.
Music has never just been a passion, it's been a way of life. After years of navigating nightlife while choosing not to drink, she launched WINYL, inspired by the ritual of wine and the rhythm of vinyl. Her vision: joy-filled, inclusive experiences that never compromise on flavor or vibe.
She's secured over $200K in non-dilutive funding through pitch competitions, grants, and accelerators, a testament to the strength of both the brand and the vision behind it. She's generated $100K in sales through The New Bar and led the execution of their on-site presence at Coachella.
Music has never just been a passion, it's been a way of life. After years of navigating nightlife while choosing not to drink, she launched WINYL, inspired by the ritual of wine and the rhythm of vinyl. Her vision: joy-filled, inclusive experiences that never compromise on flavor or vibe.
She's secured over $200K in non-dilutive funding through pitch competitions, grants, and accelerators, a testament to the strength of both the brand and the vision behind it. She's generated $100K in sales through The New Bar and led the execution of their on-site presence at Coachella.
The Builder
Terrance Hunter is a brand and product marketing strategist with more than 11 years of experience scaling consumer brands across General Mills, Mattel, Talking Rain, and King's Hawaiian. He recently led the national marketing launch for King's Hawaiian Pretzel Bites that took the brand from shelf to a 15 market tour across the country.
In 2025 he founded steak + eggs, a consultancy built around strategic storytelling and cultural connection. What drives him isn't just the strategy, it's the collaboration, creativity, and the belief that the best products and brands are built on stories worth telling.
When Ashley brought her vision to life, partnering with her was a no-brainer. As friends of over a decade, when she needed someone to help take WINYL to the next level, showing up for each other is just what they do.
In 2025 he founded steak + eggs, a consultancy built around strategic storytelling and cultural connection. What drives him isn't just the strategy, it's the collaboration, creativity, and the belief that the best products and brands are built on stories worth telling.
When Ashley brought her vision to life, partnering with her was a no-brainer. As friends of over a decade, when she needed someone to help take WINYL to the next level, showing up for each other is just what they do.