we are one

This month I celebrate one year of starting my digital community, NAD Wines. This month is also Black History Month. As I find ways to celebrate both, on and offline, I find myself reflecting on all that the past year has brought to me personally, and the Black History we are creating daily. I’ve been asked how it feels to be growing a Black-owned brand in a predominantly white industry. Without chewing too much on this question, I can honestly say it feels empowering. It feels illuminating to be in an industry, and at a time where I do not feel like I “have” to be one way. I am me, celebrating my biracial culture, individuality, all while creating a brand that seems to have a diverse reception. I am able to not only manifest a brand that is entirely me, but also establish what inclusivity means within my brand. To me, this means working with people, not around them. This means being inclusive of all who identify and want to learn with our community. I want to keep Black culture in mind, but also be mindful of the biracial experience I’ve had. This means, thinking of those that have multifaceted backgrounds, identities, or maybe unsure if their identity. I see a sense of community as the ultimate icebreaker. If we’re able to build community by making wine fun, relatable and approachable we can conquer class, color and other barriers that make wine intimidating. Natural wine has opened doors for me, and it is my goal to prop that door so I can welcome others with opening (socially distanced) arms.

Wine has the power to shape, create and lubricate culture. That is why I drink wine worth talking about.