Corks & Conversations Podcast

Welcome to episode eight of "Corks & Conversations," where host Sonteria Bowie engages in a lively discussion with Laurence Andrew, the owner of Ratchet Luxury and curator of the upcoming event, Beautiful People. Laurence shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began during the pandemic, ultimately leading to the birth of Ratchet Luxury—a brand that has evolved over the years.The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of juggling multiple ventures and the intricate balance of being a business owner. Laurence emphasizes the importance of community, creativity, and the luxury experience he aims to deliver through his brand and events. As they delve into the theme of Beautiful People, Laurence reveals how the event aims to create meaningful connections among attendees while celebrating the richness of Black culture. With exciting culinary offerings and a focus on genuine networking, this episode promises to inspire listeners to embrace their unique creative journeys and invest in community-building.Join us for an in-depth conversation with the visionary Laurence Andrew, the creative genius behind Ratchet Luxury. Get a glimpse into the mind that redefines luxury and discover the inspiration behind this iconic fashion brand. 👗👔 Laurence Andrews isn’t just a fashion innovator; he’s also the mastermind curator behind The Beautiful People, the event that's got everyone talking. With the upcoming soirée on May 18th, we’ll delve into what makes these gatherings the talk of the town and the essence of style and community they capture.

Welcome to episode four of "Corks & Conversations," where host Sonteria Bowie interviews the dynamic V. Taylor, the owner of Queen's Crown Essentials and the curator of the upcoming event, Beautiful People. V shares her journey as a serial entrepreneur and vibe curator, elaborating on how her passion for creating vibrant experiences inspired her to host events that foster connection and community.The conversation delves into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of balancing personal life with business, and the beauty of collaboration within the creative space. V discusses her vision for the Beautiful People event, focusing on creating an uplifting atmosphere where attendees can network and celebrate Black culture while enjoying delicious culinary offerings and cocktails.Listeners can expect insightful discussions on entrepreneurship, wellness, and community-building, as well as the importance of integrity and professionalism in business. Join us for a vibrant conversation that celebrates creativity, connection, and the journeys of innovative women making an impact in their communities.

Welcome to episode four of "Corks & Conversations," where host Sonteria Bowie chats with Marcia, the owner of Lush Popcorn based in Riverwest, Milwaukee. In this episode, Marcia shares the inspiring journey of how Lush Popcorn was born out of fun and creativity, beginning as a simple pastime of making popcorn for friends and family and evolving into a successful business. Celebrating its ten-year anniversary, Marcia discusses the challenges of navigating the business landscape, especially during the pandemic, and how pivoting allowed her to thrive.The conversation highlights the importance of community, entrepreneurship, and the joy of sharing delicious, unique popcorn flavors. Sonteria and Marcia also discuss their collaboration for a wine and popcorn tasting flight, featuring mouthwatering pairings of Lush Popcorn and Sonteria's wine selections. This episode is perfect for food lovers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the art of combining flavors. Join us for a delightful exploration of creativity, community, and the journey of building a brand from the ground up.

Welcome to episode four of "Corks & Conversations," where host Sonteria Bowie invites the dynamic Vee. Taylor, a serial entrepreneur and vibe curator behind Mixed MKE. In this engaging episode, Vee shares her inspiring journey of building her mobile bartending service that uses top-quality ingredients to create unique cocktails. She reflects on how her experiences as the designated drink maker at parties led to the creation of her successful brand during the pandemic. As the conversation unfolds, Vee discusses the importance of curating a fun and enjoyable experience for her clients and the challenges of juggling multiple entrepreneurial ventures alongside being a mom. The episode highlights the significance of collaboration and creativity within the industry, showcasing the upcoming event, Beautiful People, where guests can connect and celebrate Black culture.Join us as we delve into Vee's vision for her business and her plans for future events that foster community, creativity, and inspiration. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, networking, and the art of mixology.

Welcome to episode three of "Corks & Conversations," where host Sonteria Bowie chats with Courtney J., owner and mixologist of Mixed MKE, a mobile bartending service based in Milwaukee, WI. Courtney shares her journey into the world of mixology, highlighting how the pandemic inspired her to turn her passion for crafting cocktails into a thriving business. From serving as the drink maker at parties to creating signature cocktails for clients, Courtney's transition into entrepreneurship has been an exciting ride.The episode dives deep into the importance of community connection, creativity, and the luxurious experience that Mixed MKE promises with each event. Courtney emphasizes the significance of offering quality ingredients and aesthetically pleasing drinks that cater to everyone's palate. Listeners are invited to learn about the upcoming event, "Mocktails in March," a unique experience focused on non-alcoholic beverages, as well as the joys of collaboration within the industry. Tune in to discover how Courtney is not only redefining the cocktail experience but also showcasing the beauty of community and support in Milwaukee.

In this enlightening episode of "Corks & Conversations," host Sonteria Bowie welcomes Paisley Lucas, owner of The Wine Tribe, for a heartfelt discussion about their journeys in the wine industry. As two passionate advocates for inclusivity in wine, they share their experiences in building communities for wine enthusiasts, especially among Black and Brown individuals. Paisley recounts her decision to start The Wine Tribe, motivated by a desire to create a welcoming space for people to explore and enjoy wine without judgment. The conversation dives into essential topics like wine pairings, palate preferences, and the importance of etiquette in social drinking. Sonteria and Paisley also touch on the emotional challenges of balancing work, family, and personal loss while promoting their respective wine brands. This episode serves as a reminder of the power of community and connection in the wine world while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique tastes and celebrate diversity in wine consumption.

In this engaging episode of "Corks & Conversations," host Sonteria Bowie dives deep into the world of winemaking with fellow Black winemaker, Lakara Hazelwood. They discuss the unique challenges faced by minorities in the wine industry, share personal journeys, and celebrate their successes. Lakara opens up about her experience transitioning from creating dry to sweet wines based on customer preferences, the importance of understanding her audience, and the complexities of managing inventory. The duo emphasizes the significance of community engagement, networking, and the need for representation in the wine business, highlighting their goals of paving the way for future generations. The episode culminates in discussions about their upcoming collaborations, classes, and wine tastings, encouraging listeners to support Black-owned wine businesses. So pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine, and join in on a conversation that promises insight, laughter, and camaraderie within the wine community.