The Black Vintner

One of the most rewarding parts about following a financial plan is the ability to be able to spend your money how you wish, once expenses are covered. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, following your budget and your plan gives you the freedom to know that you have a certain amount to spend on hobbies after every need is covered. Today I am going to talk about one of my businesses, my wine education brand, Mo Wine.

In 2017, my brand Mo Wine held its’ first wine tasting event featuring all Black winemakers. The purpose of the event was to bring awareness to some of the wines produced by Black winemakers, and also to taste some amazing wines that I had never known about before.

My very first call was to Bertony Faustin, the owner of Abbey Creek Vineyard in Oregon. I did not know this man from a can of paint but I knew that the event could not take place without him. In 2008, Bertony Faustin became the 1st recorded Black winemaker in Oregon.

Without having any knowledge of the wine industry, he embarked on an opportunity to change the game, and bet on himself.

To my surprise, he emailed me back in record time for us to schedule a call to talk about the event. During our conversation, I found out that he was originally from New York and often hung out in my hometown in St. Albans, Queens. He told me about his upcoming documentary Red,White and Black and asked if in return, I would promote his 40 day crowdfunding initiative for the making of the film. Duh, of course.

The documentary shares the story of Bertony Faustin of Abbey Creek Vineyards, Jarod Sleet of Roco Wines, and Andre Mack of Maison Noir Wines.

All of these winemakers shared the ups and downs of being minority wine makers, their relentless pursuit of their dreams, and the building their legacies.

All great movements toward the upliftment of Black Americans have benefited from those who paved the way for the next generation. 

I will leave you with this quote from Bertony Faustin:

“It was great to be the first but it is more important that he is not the last”

Here at the Gym, we want you to live your biggest, boldest, never-in-a-million-years-imagined-life. In order to do that, you have to have passion, purpose, and a financial plan. That is what we are all about. It is about getting your financial house in order, so that you can do whatever you want.

Ready to take your finances to the next level?
To get started schedule a free 20 minute consultation call to speak to a member of our team. We will ask you a few basic questions to get to know you more, walk you through our financial training program steps, and of course answer any questions you may have. No pressure to join!