Rising Stars: Meet Aquinas Davis of Long Beach

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

Hi Aquinas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story starts in Chicago, where I got my first taste of communications as a college student interning at a historic Black-owned ad agency. That experience opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and how it shapes culture, identity, and opportunity. From there, I never looked back.

I’ve been in the PR and marketing space for over 20 years now, with a career that’s taken me from national campaigns with Fortune 500 brands to purpose-driven activations that center Black and multicultural communities. I’ve always been intentional about showing up as a cultural strategist—not just someone who “gets the assignment,” but someone who brings culture, context, and community understanding into every project.

Today, I’m a Vice President at Flowers Communications Group, leading integrated marketing efforts across social, experiential, influencer, and public relations. But beyond my corporate role, I’m also a storyteller, entrepreneur, and certified wine enthusiast.

My passion for wine is more than just a hobby—it’s become a meaningful part of how I unwind, connect, and express creativity. I fell in love with the way wine brings people together, how every bottle tells a story, and how it can transform ordinary moments into something beautiful and intentional. That love for wine inspired me to launch Uncorked Expressions, a lifestyle brand that blends wine culture with soulful self-expression. Through curated accessories, I’m building a community that celebrates self-care, culture, and joy—one pour at a time.

The wine industry hasn’t always felt inclusive, especially for Black women, but I’m committed to changing that. Whether I’m hosting a wine experience, sharing a food pairing, or creating content that speaks to our culture, I want wine to feel more approachable, more fun, and more reflective of who we are.

So in many ways, I’m still evolving. I wear a lot of hats, but at the core, I’m a storyteller, a cultural curator, and someone deeply passionate about helping people find beauty, healing, and pride in their own stories—and their own glass.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road—but every bump taught me something valuable.

Professionally, I’ve spent years navigating spaces where I had to constantly advocate for multicultural voices to be seen as essential, not just “nice to have.” That kind of pressure can be heavy.

On the entrepreneurial side, building Uncorked Expressions has been equally fulfilling and humbling. I’ve had to learn everything—from e-commerce logistics to product sourcing to marketing with limited resources. There have been launches that didn’t go as planned, slow sales months, and moments where I questioned if I was doing enough or doing it “right.” But what keeps me going is knowing that I’m building something that reflects who I am and serves a community that deserves to be celebrated.

Personally, I’ve also gone through some life transitions that forced me to slow down and reevaluate—divorce, burnout, moments of deep self-reflection. But those seasons also sparked my passion for wine and intentional living. I started focusing more on what fills me up creatively and spiritually, and that shift has made all the difference.

And as much as I love wine, keeping up with wine education has also been a challenge. It’s an industry that can feel intimidating and exclusive, so I’ve had to carve out time between everything else to study, taste, learn, and grow. But staying committed to that learning process is important to me—not just for credibility, but because I want to help others learn their worth and pour into themselves.

So no—it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been worth it. Every challenge has shaped my voice, sharpened my purpose, and pushed me to create space.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a communicator and storyteller. I help brands show up with authenticity and purpose, especially when engaging Black and multicultural audiences. I’ve worked in marketing and communications for over two decades.

I’m known for infusing every project with cultural insight, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Whether I’m advising a Fortune 500 brand or mentoring a young professional, I bring clarity, context, and care to the work. I’ve had the honor of media training executives, leading national campaigns, and producing programs that center culture—not as a trend, but as a truth that drives impact.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve built a career that honors both excellence and purpose. That same passion led me to launch Uncorked Expressions—a wine-inspired lifestyle brand rooted in self-care, celebration, and cultural pride. Through wine accessories, journals, and digital products, I’m creating space for people—especially women of color—to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and feel celebrated in the process.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just work in culture—I live it. I bring a lived experience, a deep sense of community, and a bold, creative spirit to everything I do. I know how to move between boardrooms and backyard gatherings, and I believe both are equally important. Whether it’s a national brand strategy or a soulful wine night, my mission is the same: to help people feel seen, inspired, and empowered.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success is about alignment. It’s when your purpose, your passion, and your peace all exist in the same space. It’s not just about titles or how many people know your name—it’s about how grounded you feel in who you are and how you’re using your gifts.

I define success as living a life that feels authentic and fulfilling—where I can make an impact, create space for others, and still have joy, softness, and time for myself. It’s knowing I’m walking in purpose, that I’m pouring into others without running empty, and that I’m building something that outlives the moment.

Success, to me, is also being able to say “no” without guilt, “yes” without fear, and “thank you” without hesitation. It’s being proud of the work I do, but even prouder of the woman I’ve become while doing it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.uncorkedexpressions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queensvinovoyage/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aquinas-early/