“Money Isn’t Real—Joy Is” — Why Karolyn Denson Landrieux Stopped Chasing the Dollar

Cut The Tie Podcast with Karolyn Denson Landrieux

What if success wasn’t measured by money, status, or stuff—but by peace, presence, and purpose? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Karolyn Denson Landrieux, co-founder and CEO of Landrieux Wineries, to explore how she redefined success after moving to France and launched a fast-growing champagne import business without sacrificing joy.

Karolyn shares how living in a small French village rewired her thinking about wealth and priorities. She opens up about cutting the tie to financial pressure, resisting the hustle of overgrowth, and learning to say “no” in business as a strategy for building a premium brand.

About Karolyn Denson Landrieux

Karolyn is the CEO and co-founder of Landrieux Wineries, a family-run business that curates and imports craft, organic champagnes from the Champagne region of France to the U.S. Their mission: bring terroir-driven, small-batch bottles—often unavailable stateside—directly to discerning private clients, luxury venues, and intimate events. Karolyn brings a deep love of culture, travel, and quality relationships to everything she does, including how she leads and lives.

In this episode, Thomas and Karolyn discuss:

• The tie to cut: Financial pressure
  Karolyn opens up about detaching her sense of worth from income goals and material accumulation.
• Life in France and the power of “enough”
  How moving abroad revealed that joy comes from simplicity, not stuff—and changed her definition of success.
• Running a business without attachment to outcome
  She explains how letting go of desperation helped her say “no” more often—and grow more strategically.
• Creating experiences over selling products
  Champagne isn’t just a drink; it’s nostalgia, celebration, and connection—and Landrieux Wineries delivers that with intention.
• Sustainable growth as a form of self-respect
  Karolyn reflects on how turning down opportunities can actually increase brand value, especially when clients reschedule events around her calendar.

Key Takeaways:

• Success evolves with you
  What mattered in your 30s might not apply in your 50s—and that’s healthy. Reevaluate often.
• The illusion of money
  "Money isn’t real"—it’s a tool, not a truth. And it shouldn’t drive your self-worth.
• Living in the present is the how
  The future is unpredictable, the past unchangeable. Show up for the moment you’re in.
• Saying “no” is a growth strategy
  Exclusion builds brand. When you don’t say yes to everyone, your value rises.
• Your business should reflect your life values
  Lead with intention. Filter opportunities through joy, alignment, and sustainability—not just dollars.

Connect with Karolyn Denson Landrieux:

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karolyn-denson-landrieux-25b38465/
🌐 Website: https://www.landrieuxwineries.com
📧 Email: [email protected]

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚀 https://www.instantlyrelevant.com

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