Western Nevada College News
From College Classrooms to Carson City’s Cellar 8: WNC Grads Blend Design, Community and Wine
Sep 4, 2025
Cellar 8 Wine Bar owner Maxine Holland is a 2022 graduate of Western Nevada College.
What began as a shared love of design and storytelling at Western Nevada College has blossomed into a thriving new destination in downtown Carson City.
WNC graduates Maxine Holland (2022) and Jessica Brooks (2011) are the creative team behind the recently reimagined Cellar 8 Wine Bar, located at 408 N. Carson Street. Since reopening on March 8 — International Women’s Day — Cellar 8 has been buzzing with curated wines, engaging events and a warm sense of community.
“We have a passion for wine and a dedication to quality that shines through in every aspect of our shop,” said Holland, the wine bar’s owner. “We wanted to create a place that reflects our story, honors the culture of wine, and invites people to slow down, connect and enjoy the moment.”
For Holland, the path to ownership was a mix of design expertise and global perspective. Growing up near South Africa’s world-renowned wine country, she developed a lifelong appreciation for the culture of winemaking. At WNC, she earned degrees in Graphic Design and Liberal Arts, later pairing her design skills with her WSET Level 2 wine certification and nearly a decade at Vital Signs, where she learned the ins and outs of running a local business.
“I was with Vital Signs for nearly nine years, and it was incredibly formative for me,” Holland said. “It taught me how essential it is to build genuine relationships and give back. I learned firsthand how much heart, hustle and humility it takes to run a business — and how rewarding it can be when you’re rooted in the community you serve.”
Because of her design skills and creativity, Holland was asked by the Nevada Women’s Commission to design a commemorative Nevada Women’s Suffrage specialty license plate in 2020.
Brooks, Cellar 8’s general manager, shares that same blend of artistry and hospitality.
Holland says that Brooks means so much more to the business: a partner in creativity,
vision and wine knowledge.
After completing her Graphic Design studies at WNC and earning her bachelor’s degree from University of Nevada, Reno, Brooks shifted into the food and beverage world, where she thrived. With WSET Level 3 certification and training through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Brooks brings deep knowledge of wine and a knack for customer engagement.
“Wine is bottled history,” Brooks said. “Every bottle tells a story — of place, culture, craftsmanship. Our goal is to make those stories accessible and exciting for everyone who walks through our doors.”
WNC Professor of Graphic Design Jayna Conkey had the pleasure of teaching both of these enterprising students.
“From the beginning, they consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, exceptional creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in all their projects,” Conkey said. “What impressed me most about both women was their remarkable ability to balance the demanding responsibilities of school, work, and motherhood without ever compromising the quality of their work. Their determination and resilience were truly admirable.”
Cellar 8 Wine Bar General Manager Jessica Brooks
Cellar 8 is already making its mark as more than a wine bar. With trivia nights, bingo, blind tasting challenges, a book club and an exclusive wine club, Holland and Brooks are creating a lively, approachable space for all. Educational events are also on the horizon, aimed at demystifying wine and empowering guests to explore without intimidation.
“Western Nevada College is incredibly proud of Maxine Holland and Jessica Brooks for turning their education, creativity and passion into such a vibrant addition to downtown Carson City,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Their success with Cellar 8 is a wonderful example of how WNC graduates use their skills and vision to enrich our community, create opportunities and inspire others to dream big.”
While neither Holland nor Brooks imagined this exact path while studying at WNC, they say that their education gave them the foundation to dream boldly.
“Entrepreneurship offers a unique path to creative freedom and personal fulfillment,” Holland said. “Starting a business allows you to build something meaningful that reflects your values, vision and skills. Owning a business is a lot of work. You’re responsible for everything from financials to cleaning the floor at the end of the night.
“My biggest piece of advice is to know your strengths, play to them and don't be afraid to delegate. Surround yourself with people who are talented, trustworthy and passionate. You don’t have to do it all alone, and you shouldn’t.”
As WNC continues to see its graduates step into leadership and entrepreneurship, Cellar 8 stands as a shining example of how education, vision and courage can transform possibility into reality.
“It came as no surprise to learn that Maxine and Jessica have gone on to open a business together,” Conkey said. “Their talents complement each other beautifully, and their shared vision, dedication and professionalism make them a remarkable team.”
Cellar 8 is open at 7 a.m. seven days a week as a coffee shop, then transitions into a wine bar Tuesday through Saturday nights.
“Our Press Café in Cellar 8 has become a community staple coffee shop for connecting, meetings, catching up, unwinding and relaxing,” Holland said.