In this episode of The Luminous Life Podcast, Erika and Marcella sit down with Babita (“Babz”), the new owner of Carlo Russo Wine & Spirit World in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, an iconic wine store that’s been part of the community for over 75 years.
Babz didn’t grow up swirling Burgundy and name-dropping Pinot Noir. In fact, she used to skip the wine list entirely and go straight to tequila. Now she’s the woman at the helm of a legacy shop that’s helped generations fall in love with wine... and she’s doing it in a way that is deeply rooted in heritage, hospitality, and feminine leadership.
We talk about what it means to be a first-generation Indo-Guyanese woman stepping into a historically male, often intimidating industry, and how Babz balances respecting tradition with bringing in fresh, modern ideas. She shares why wine is completely subjective, why there is truly no wrong answer when it comes to what you taste, and how every bottle is a story you get to take home and pour into your own life.
Then we drift into beauty and self-care. Babz walks us through her turmeric-and-saffron face mask, coconut and jasmine hair oil, and nightly abhyanga-style sesame oil body massage that makes her feel like royalty on even the most stressful days. We connect the dots between wine, ritual, and beauty: the courage to take up space, honor our roots, and show up as the most luminous version of ourselves.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by wine, disconnected from your heritage, or unsure how to blend old-world reverence with new-world ambition, this conversation will feel like a warm pour of permission.
Episode Highlights
How a self-described wine novice ended up buying a 75+ year-old wine institution in Ho-Ho-Kus
The magic and responsibility of inheriting legacy while still making space for new ideas
Why wine is fully subjective and why there is no wrong tasting note
The rise of women in wine and why more female winemakers are changing the industry
How Carlo Russo became a hub for wine education and storytelling, not just transactions
Why Babs sees herself as part of her customers’ dinners, celebrations, and memories
How she curates wine gifts for clients who “have no idea what to buy”
Weekly Saturday tastings (12–6pm) and approachable wine experiences at the shop
Babz’ Indo-Guyanese roots and the importance of holding onto culture and tradition
Her homegrown beauty rituals: turmeric & saffron masks, coconut & jasmine hair oil, nightly oil massage
The link between looking good, feeling good, and facing hard days with “big queen energy”
Why community, reverence, and relationships matter more than flashy marketing
🎧 Listen & subscribe to The Luminous Life Podcast on your favorite app so you don’t miss new episodes.
⭐ Rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify - your kind words help other women find us.
🥂 If you’re in North Jersey, visit Carlo Russo Wine & Spirit World in Ho-Ho-Kus and tell Babs The Luminous Life sent you @carlorussowine @iamthebabz
💆♀️ Want beauty that feels like therapy? Come visit Luminous in Ho-Ho-Kus or hang out with us on Instagram at @luminouslifepodcast.