Conversations with Markesha Davis owner of Chapter38wine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Markesha Davis.

Hi Markesha , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
With my father being a native of Los Angeles born and raised, I too shared the same journey. After high school I relocated to Houston where I grew my career in Supply Chain management being able to travel & network in different areas. This sparked an interest in wines as I begin traveling the vineyards in 2008. As I grew my knowledge and hobby for the wines a family member suggested I start my own. In 2017 I brought the idea to my 17 year son who is an artist to sketch a logo & 2018 we launched. From there in 2020 I begin my education in wines with WSET Level 1 & 2 certifications then exploring the business of wines. Looking to create an innovative space, I set my intentions on two things. Keeping my father’s legacy alive and driving a focus on health and education in this space. Our wines are an infusion of his passion for cannabis combined with my passion for wine to birth what you know now as Chapter38wines with a focus on our reserved labels. Dedicating them to my father who was born in 1952 where you will see it marked on our bottles to keep the conversations going about his contribution to our story. I am focused on bringing information to our community and more surrounding health and education to wines.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The challenges I’ve faced were surrounded by legal limitations based on the state I could sale to. I have seen red tape around the risk of approved funding from lenders for this market. For the first 4 years our wines were denied funding. Therefore I took the option of crowd funding. It was a great way to pivot until the market could catch up to the idea of what an infused cannabis wine would look like. I had no movement in neither industry on sales until Summer 2020 where as the world was closed not many were aware of the legal limits that were being lifted on cannabis and beverages. So although I had this great innovative idea I’ve had to allow time to present itself to have the conversation again surrounding cannabis and wines.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have over 23 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry as a buyer for the industry. I am proud of the time I’ve spent in that space because I am able to align and structure my business based on my experience & knowledge. During that career I also had a previous business as a wedding coordinator for a few years which would later assist me in planning and structing events for the brand.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I feel as though being my true authentic self is what brings success. Genuine, punctual & firm in your beliefs no matter who or what try to present a different path not aligned with your goals. I believe success is trusting your gut which is God’s first spiritual response to us and we must follow it.

Pricing:

• Exclusive Membership – $90
• Prime Membership – $175
• High Roller Membership – $375

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chapter38wine.com
• Instagram: chapter38wine
• Facebook: chapter38wineline
• Twitter: chapter38wine
• Youtube: chapter38wine

Image Credits
Logo – ATS Film
Professional head Shot – Najee Smith