Celebrating Diversity: A Journey Through Black-Owned Wines

As the echoes of Valentine's Day fade into the distance, I find myself immersed in a sea of introspection, pondering the depths of my own journey towards self-love and creation. This year's celebration wasn't marked by grand gestures or extravagant displays of affection (nor did I get that Saint Laurent Sac de Jour large bag), but rather by a profound sense of inner peace and acceptance—a love affair with myself, if you will. In the midst of this journey, I had the privilege of filming the inaugural episode of the Elevation Uncorked podcast, where my friend and I grappled with the question of what freedom truly means. Her response—that freedom is the ability to create—resonated with me on a soul-stirring level. It reignited a flame within me, prompting a deep dive into the essence of creation and its transformative power. I couldn't help but reflect on the monumental acts of creation throughout history—the stirring words of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, the boundary-pushing artistry of Beyoncé's visual album "Lemonade," and the quiet bravery of individuals who choose to create hope in the face of despair. What if these visionaries had succumbed to doubt or fear? What if they hadn't dared to create? As I grapple with these questions, I'm reminded of my own journey—a journey marked by the relentless pursuit of validation and external success. Coming from a background where worth is often equated with what you produce, I found myself trapped in a cycle of always chasing the next milestone or achievement. But in the midst of this striving, I stumbled upon a profound realization: true freedom lies not in the pursuit of external validation, but in the act of creation itself. It's about embracing the messy, imperfect process of bringing something new into existence—not for the applause or accolades, but simply because it brings joy and fulfillment. So I challenge you, friend: What are you producing versus what are you creating? Are you allowing fear and self-doubt to hold you back, or are you tapping into the boundless wellspring of creativity within you? In that act of creation lies the essence of our humanity, our freedom, our radical self-love. Here are three ways you can apply the journey from production to creation in your own life: Embrace Imperfection : Allow yourself to let go of the need for perfection and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes and learn along the way. I am learning that the more grace I allow myself in these cases, I witness that grace showing up in other areas of my life. Follow Your Passions : Pursue activities and projects that ignite your passion and bring you joy, rather than solely focusing on external validation or societal expectations. Your authenticity and enthusiasm will shine through in your creations. You owe it to you to create for creation's sake. I don't care if this is an actual art piece, that book you've been pondering, a podcast, that side venture, etc. The version of yourself on the other side is rooting for you to put one foot in front of the other. Cultivate Self-Compassion : Be kind to yourself throughout the creative process. Practice self-compassion and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. I always remind myself, "You will grow as you go". Remember that creativity is a journey, and each step forward is a triumph worth celebrating. And I'm already cheering for you on the other side, waiting with a glass of wine! This Valentine's Day, I found a love far deeper and more profound than any romantic gesture—a love for myself, for my journey, and for the transformative power of creation. That has led me to this place, developing Plus Wine Co.-- not 100% sure of what to expect, but letting creation lead me deep into the sea of discovery. And in embracing this love, I've discovered a newfound sense of freedom—a freedom to dream, to create, to thrive. Cheers, Tadean