On 9/11, Inez Ribustello was a happy 25-year-old who’d never had anything really big and bad happen in her life. At 22, she’d found her “forever job” at Windows, which was like a tight knit family. It was on the 107th story of One World Trade Center.

Inez wasn't at work on 9/11. She was at a wedding in her hometown in South Carolina. At first, she wished that she’d died, as hard as it was to process what happened — “It’d be easier.” Besides co-workers who died, on 9/11 she lost her community. “That day, we all went our separate ways, without the support we counted on for everyday things.”

Listen to how Inez transformed emotions and her identity to create a full and happy life again, albeit as a different person.

Bio

Inez Ribustello got her start in the world of food and wine after moving to New York City from her home state of North Carolina. Her wine career took a huge leap forward when she became an Assistant Cellar Master at Windows on the World in One World Trade Center.  In a very short time, she was promoted to Beverage Director.

After losing her job and her work family on 9/11, Inez chose to eventually move back to her hometown with her fiancé Stephen. Together they opened their own restaurant, wine bar and retail store called On the Square.

Inez’ next big venture was Tarboro Brewing Company, a microbrewery that began operating in 2016.  Almost a year later, she and her husband opened a satellite taproom in a neighboring town.

Stephen and Inez have two 2 children that they absolutely adore.

In September of 2021, Inez self-published her memoir Life After Windows, a book she wrote chronicling her journey from North Carolina to Manhattan.

Julie’s Info.

https://linkedin.com/in/julie-browne-courage-ignite

https://instagram.com/juliebrownecourageignite

https://facebook.com/juliebrownecourageignite

https://www.courage-ignite.com/podcast

https://www.courage-ignite.com

[email protected]

Music - Happy African Village by John Bartmann