Malatrice “Mali” Montgomery and Ayanna “Nikki” Carver have built something special in the heart of Atlanta. Their gourmet olive oil company, Vine & Olive, now operates four thriving retail locations across the city. At a time when many small businesses are struggling to survive, the two Black women entrepreneurs are expanding, partnering, and capturing national attention.
Even more impressive, they did it without outside investors and without leaving their demanding full-time careers. Their journey proves that passion, strategy, and community support can still win in a crowded marketplace.
Black Women-Owned Olive Oil Brand Expands to Four Atlanta Locations
Vine & Olive has quickly become a favorite among food lovers in Atlanta. The brand offers premium olive oils, flavored extra virgin oils, and balsamic vinegars that customers can taste in-store. This hands-on experience sets the company apart from big-box retailers and online-only competitors.
Recently, the company expanded to two high-traffic destinations: Ponce City Market and the Atlanta BeltLine near Krog Street Market. These new storefronts have helped grow their footprint in some of the city’s busiest and most popular areas.
As a result, Vine & Olive now operates four locations, with a fifth retail partnership already on the horizon. Their steady growth reflects a larger trend: consumers are choosing artisanal, high-quality food brands with real stories behind them.
Building a Gourmet Food Business After Hours and On Weekends
Unlike many entrepreneurs in the food industry, Montgomery and Carver did not start with investors or unlimited free time. Instead, they built their company during lunch breaks, late nights, and weekends.
Montgomery works as a Certified Physician Associate and Assistant Professor, while Carver serves as a General Sales Manager for a major media outlet. Despite their packed schedules, they poured their energy into growing Vine & Olive step by step.
“People always ask how we do it,” Montgomery shared. “The truth is, we’re fueled by joy. This business brings us joy and we try to pour that same joy into every bottle, every tasting, every customer experience.”
Their dedication shows that entrepreneurship does not always begin with perfect timing. Sometimes, it begins with commitment and sacrifice.
Standing Out in the Competitive Gourmet Food Market
The gourmet olive oil space is competitive and historically underrepresented when it comes to Black ownership. Nevertheless, Montgomery and Carver entered the market with confidence and a clear vision.
What started as a post-pandemic idea quickly turned into a customer-first brand built on tasting, education, and discovery. Every store invites customers to explore flavors and learn how to elevate everyday meals. That interactive approach keeps shoppers coming back.
This year alone, Vine & Olive celebrated several major milestones. The brand secured a feature cooking segment on a national TV show and partnered with Sarah Jakes Roberts’ Woman Evolve Conference. Additionally, they hosted their first corporate tasting with KPMG and announced an airport expansion that will introduce their products to global travelers.
Creating Community Through Food and Flavor
Beyond sales and expansion, the heart of Vine & Olive is community. Each storefront is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and approachable. There is no pressure and no culinary intimidation—just good flavor and good conversation.
“We’re not just selling olive oil,” Carver explained. “We’re building a community of people who love food, love discovery, and want to make everyday meals taste extraordinary.”
Customers often describe the store as a “happy place.” That feeling of connection has helped the business thrive even as economic pressures weigh heavily on small retailers nationwide.
What’s Next for Vine & Olive in Atlanta and Beyond
With four locations open and more partnerships ahead, Montgomery and Carver are not slowing down. Media interest continues to grow, corporate tasting experiences are expanding, and new retail opportunities are on the table.
Most importantly, their story stands as a powerful example of Black women entrepreneurship done with purpose and grit. They built a brand from the ground up, balanced careers and business, and carved out space in a competitive industry.
One bottle at a time, they are proving that passion, excellence, and community can create lasting success.
