I worked as an investment banker and prior to that as a management consultant for years before I decided to follow my passion for wine.

I took classes for fun while working at Merrill Lynch—movie production, boxing and wine. I really loved the wine class, so I went on to a rigorous three-year diploma program.

Read Sharon's food and wine pairing tips here

I married Chris in 2000. We met while I was a summer intern at Merrill Lynch. He was the guy in the office next door.

Then 9/11 happened and everything changed. I lost my job. I realized I didn’t want to go back to that world. We left Manhattan for Montclair, NJ.

I started a new job at a small mergers and acquisitions firm in 2003. I had a flexible schedule and a great boss. I continued my wine education and also started teaching wine classes.

In 2004, I learned there might be a liquor license available in Montclair. In four months, I had a license to sell full bottles of wine, beer and spirits.

I quit my job and opened Amanti Vino in 2005. My boss told me I was crazy, but he ended up taking it back.

What sets us apart is that I offer hand-selected artisanal wines at all price points. The store doubled in size by mid-2008. We’ve had double-digit growth every year since we opened.

I found out I was pregnant with Kyle three weeks after opening our store. I’d had a tough time getting pregnant with Zach, so this was unexpected.

I was told to stay off my feet for 25 weeks. I then had one employee and a business to run but had to take it easy.

Kyle was born at 30 weeks, weighing 2 pounds 14 ounces. He is a miracle. He was born with a blockage in his colon and also had a pretty major stroke. The doctors said he would never walk or talk. He had the first of five surgeries on day 12. It was awful. But we always believed in Kyle. He’s a fighter.

Kyle is amazing. He didn’t walk until age 2, and didn’t talk much until 3. He walks with an abnormal gait. He has lots of therapy outside of school, but otherwise he’s a pretty typical pre-K kid. Everything gives him joy.

It’s about finding a balance. Work has kept me sane. It’s always been important to me to have a career. When Kyle was in the hospital, I’d work in the morning, spend the day with him, then go home to be with Zach.

Every day was a challenge. But I wouldn’t have changed anything.

—As told to Suzanne Riss

Tips for moms of special needs kids

Believe in your child. Many saw limits to what Kyle could do. Not us. Give your child all the opportunities and persevere.

Be an advocate. Become an expert on your child’s conditions. Align yourself with his doctors but switch them if you have to.

Encourage the family to talk. They go through a lot, and it can be rough on all. Get special counseling for a sibling or parent if needed.

Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get more support.

You’re not alone. It will benefit everyone if you get the help you need.