Title: Managing Member, Owner
Company: Shand Import LLC
Location: South Pasedena, CA United States

Growing up as someone with Iranian heritage in Middle America during the time of the hostage crisis, Mojdeh Shand felt like the only way to be accepted and respected was to be successful. She proceeded to earn a JD, and spent years practicing criminal law as an attorney at a prestigious law practice. Eventually, however, Ms. Shand decided to leave her cushy position to live in Malaga, Spain, even though she didn’t speak a word of Spanish. The move was disastrous at first, until she met a contact in the spirits industry who invited her to go to Scotland and explore the business.

Ms. Shand did just that, and learned the import business well enough to guide her through ongoing growth. As an added bonus, she met her husband because of the career change. Using the knowledge she gained and with the support of her husband, Ms. Shand started Shand Import LLC a few years ago, and imports a variety of craft spirits from outside the U.S. Her current responsibilities with her startup include running every aspect of the business, from the warehouse to marketing to client service and retention. Ms. Shand considers her greatest accomplishment to be giving up her position in a law firm and becoming an entrepreneur in a totally unrelated, male-dominated industry. It was a challenge getting accepted, but she is steadily making her presence known.

As an honored member of The International Women’s Leadership Association, Ms. Shand would advise the younger generations to not let anything or anyone get them down, and to not be afraid to take a chance. She attributes her own success to her passion, determination, and willingness to roll up her sleeves and get the job done. Furthermore, Ms. Shand doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, and she is comfortable going outside her comfort zone. She believes this journey was meant to be her destiny.

Contact Mojdeh Shand: