Inspiring Conversations with Nora Brooker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nora Brooker.

Hi Nora, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I used to be in the beer industry. Distribution did sales marketing management family-owned small company got bought out by corporate. I worked corporate for too long. Wanted change and since everyone was always at my house, I decided to open up a package store lounge where they could hang drink and LEAVE when I closed… something they never wanted to do when I was at home. Been on the package lounge side for 16 year now… I love what I do.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing business was tough in the beginning. I was the only business on the street. I have and have always had a great following. Loyalty is great but if you have only so many loyal people and want to grow you need more… thanks the goddess for social media and word of mouth… people who come to my place generally love and and can’t wait to come back with others. My business has been ok and sustained even during covid… it has not been easy. But package and my loyalists have certainly helped. New apartments and people moving into the area homes is also great. But there are covid restrictions and restraint. I so can’t wait till covid is under control.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I sell beer wine and cigars. Package store and lounge. Each bedroom has a theme wine room beer wine chill rooms and cigar longe walk-in humidor. It’s a lot of fun. Offer indoor outdoor seating and prior covid events… now trying outdoor movies and art shows to make up for chick flicks and the pop-up gallery. The place is like entering and hanging in someone’s living room. House party and it feels very comfortable. Networking and conversations all happen here and strangers leave as family and friends… everyone who is kind and nice are welcomed. I am great at picking out beers for people… everyone says “just tell her why you like or normally drink and she will get you an awesome beer…” I feel good because my customers make me feel good. We all enjoy our times… I try and chat with everyone however being the only person there, I can get busy and don’t always have the time I like to spend with everyone but I do at least make sure you are comfortable. Italian mom style with an Irish twist. My place is unique… its a house with rooms and it is filled with love and lots of things to look at and purchase. I am a proud dog mom too. My kids (dogs) come to work daily. Stolen dog welcomes you while red takes belly rubs… best therapy ever. I also have a session room where libations are therapy. People come just to hang with me and get therapy. I listen and offer what I can but to listen is what is needed… again full circle love!!!!

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Threw all the parties, was an A student who enjoyed school and learning but grew up with a family that knew how to throw down. Mom, dad best friends and there was always love… very, very independent my dad made sure I would never need a man and mom told me to want a man but not need one. So I grew up working and doing most thing peeps my age didn’t do… I owned a bakery with a friend at 16. I had horses and animals water-skiing snow skiing favorite past times. Adirondack mountains is where I grew up was us a Jr ski team. We also had a ski lodge I was outgoing and had fun.

Contact Info:

• Email: norabrooker@gmail.com
• Website: Norassugarshack.com
• Instagram: Norassugarshack
• Facebook: Noras sugar Shack
• Yelp: Noras sugar shack