VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Tamara Hoggard stood behind a wooden bar this August afternoon, prepping for a party of 18 that would arrive at 4. Sunshine bounced off the blue-painted walls in her new shop, Tam’res Wine and Gourmet Shop, at the corner of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Newtown Road.
The large sign “Tastings” spread across a wall; a rhythm and blues song filled the air, matching the mood of the “Good vibes” neon light display for Instagram photos.
Her shop has been in the making for a long time.