Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Varnado.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Almost three years ago, a friend of mine reached out to ask me if I wanted to join a company to sell wine by hosting in home parties. There was no hesitation with my response because I knew I didn’t want to sign up to sell anything and make anyone else money based on my efforts and energy. She was a little disappointed because she knew how much I liked wine but it got my wheels turning so I asked her “Does this company even market to African Americans? Are we included in the marketing campaigns? Involved in the decision making?” Her response “You know what now that you ask and I’m looking at the site and social media— No. There’s not a Black person anywhere in sight.” And so my journey began.
I did a lot more research and noticed that 99% of the time there was just not enough diversity and inclusion in the wine industry. I knew I liked wine and so many of my friends did too. When we would go to large wine festivals across the country we were often the only people of color there but had such a great time learning more about wine. I knew I had to do something!
Black Girls Wine was born in October 2016 and has been growing ever since. The weekly Wednesday show #WineDownLive on Facebook and Instagram gives viewers a chance to grow their palate by getting first-hand reviews from me! It’s been the catalyst to so many other things the brand now offers like the Black Girls Wine Society! The sisterhood I’m building provides connection and celebrates our culture but also education for this industry. Black Girls Wine and many other emerging lifestyle brands are showing the wine industry that we too have diverse palates and would love to be included!
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh my gosh no! Haha! This is not my first business but this one has been my favorite because I’ve learned so much.
I’ve always been very clear about my audience but I’ve had to try a few things along the way to see what would be the best way for me to serve them. Launching the BGW subscription box in 2018 was a huge learning experience. They are a TON of work and though they lasted a year it definitely was challenging to get them done. I paused in 2019 to focus more on the experiences and that’s when I found my sweet spot.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Girls Wine – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Black Girls Wine is a lifestyle brand that celebrates Black Girl Magic and curates experiences for Black Women who love wine. I’m proud of the sisterhood I’ve built of wine lovers from around the world embracing who they are while sharing their love for wine daily! I specialize in creating experiences for Black wine lovers. This summer we did a tour and hit five cities on the East Coast! And we’ve been planning for our BIG Women, Wellness, & Wine Retreat this October!
I love to make the ladies feel special and show them how to have fun with wine!
At this point, I think we are most know for our weekly show #WineDownLIVE because of how much fun we have live!
I think what sets Black Girls Wine apart is that we are focus on serving the woman. The Black Girls Wine Society was created to give Black women a safe space where they can be themselves and connect with other wine lovers while exploring all that this industry has to offer. When I go to these different cities and the women come up to me and hand me gifts to say thank you for creating this space it makes me cry every time. I knew this was needed and it really is all about them! I’ve definitely found my purpose.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love LA. I spent a summer working in Hollywood & Beverly Hills back in college and completely fell in love. LA is the perfect blend for me because I’m country girl that loves the city so the palm trees next to the tall buildings make this feel like home. What’s not to like about LA?!
Pricing:
- General Membership for the Black Girls Wine Society is $50
- Women, Wellness, & Wine Retreat in October is $1800
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackgirlswine.com
- Email: info@blackgirlswine.com
- Instagram: @BlackGirlsWine
- Facebook: Facebook.com/blackgirlswine
- Twitter: Twitter.com/blackgirlswine
Image Credit:
Professional Photos: Galore Media iPhone photos: my mom
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