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Sarita Cheaves, the creative force behind the popular podcast The Swirl Suite and a distinguished wine pairing expert at VineMeUp, brings her passion for wine, deep knowledge of pairings, and insights from her journey in the wine industry to this fun and inspiring conversation
Welcome to Bri Books! Ready to get into wine? These 8 books all about the magical world of vino can help. In this episode, I'm sharing the top 8 books for wine lovers (and beginners). Consider this the ultimate wine lover's reading list. ‘Volcanoes and Wine: From Pompeii to Napa' by Charles Frankel. This book was probably one of my favorite wine-related reads of 2023. In ‘Volcanoes and Wine,' geologist Charles Frankel introduces us to the volcanoes that are among the most dramatic and ideal landscapes for wine making. From California to the Canary Islands and beyond, Frankel gives an in-depth account of famous volcanoes and the wines that spring from their soils. He details each volcano's most famous eruptions, the grapes that grow in its soils, and the people who make their homes on its slopes. This illuminating guide will be indispensable for wine lovers looking to learn more about volcanic terroirs. ($18) University of Chicago Press, Amazon) ‘The Wine Savant: A Guide to the New Wine Culture' by Michael Steinberger. ‘The Wine Savant' is a punchy, educational, and downright entertaining introduction to all things wine culture. This book is valuable for wine drinkers and oenophiles alike. From three-buck Chuck to priceless Bourdeauxs, this book gives the inside scoop on the key concerns facing a new generation of wine lovers.($10) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, WW Norton, Abe Books, Penguin Random House Canada) ‘Enoteca: Delicious Recipes in the Italian Wine Bar Tradition' by Joyce Goldstein. Renowned chef, author, and teacher Joyce Goldstein explores the origins of enoteca culture and cuisine in Italy, one mouthwatering recipe at a time. With sumptuous color photography throughout, this cookbook expertly pairs classic Italian fare with equally delicious wines, enabling anyone to recreate the enoteca experience at home. ($6) Amazon ‘Fire + Wine: 75 Smoke-Infused Recipes from the Grill with Perfect Wine Pairings' by Mary Cressler and Sean Martin. Consider this book your one-stop guide for elevationg your BBQ game and wine knowledge simultaneously. With 75 recipes that pair smoky goodness from the grill with the wines of the Pacific Northwest, this book is the perfect marriage of pitmaster expertise and sommelier sensibilities. With recipes that celebrate smoked and grilled food (and the wines that pair best with them), this wine-meets-cookbook ticks all the boxes. ($20) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House, Target, Abe Books) ‘Movers and Shakers: Advice from the Women Changing the Alcohol Industry' by Hope Ewing. This book is a collection of industry advice and tips, beverage history lessons, and feminist takes on the professional challenges faced by women in the alcohol industry. Hope Ewing dissects how women are paving the way and creating a more inclusive and sustainable world full of delicious drinks. A veteran bartender, Ewing had grown impatient with the surprisingly outdated perceptions of women in the alcohol industry. Entrepreneurial and ambitious, often the first in their fields, the women she knew in the business were leaders, mentors, and trailblazers. In ‘Movers and Shakers', Ewing seeks out the ambitious, entrepreneurial women business leaders, mentors, and trailblazers, and shares their stories with us (along with invaluable advice and insights into a wildly and rapidly evolving industry. ($17) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Thriftbooks) ‘VineMeUp: An Activity Book Celebrating The Melanated Wine Enthusiast' by Sarita Cheaves. – Created shortly after the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, Sarita Cheaves channeled her wine knowledge and her love for all things quirky and quizzical into this brilliant and delightful activity book. This book is a compilation of her experience in the wine industry and her commitment to uplifting Black and brown wine experts, influencers, and thought leaders alike ($6) Amazon, ($25) Vinemeupdc.com Natural Wine for the People: Natural Wine for the People: What It Is, Where to Find It, How to Love It' by Alice Feiring. This book is the perfect compact illustrated guide to the emerging and enormously popular world of natural wine, a style that focuses on minimal intervention, lack of additives, and organic/ biodynamic growing methods. In ‘Natural Wine for the People,' James Beard Award-winner Alice Feiring sets the record straight, offering an accessible guide filled with easy definitions, tips and tricks for sourcing the best wines, whimsical illustrations, a definitive list to the must-know producers and bottlings, and an appendix with the best shops and restaurants specializing in natural wine across the country, making this the must-buy and must-gift wine book of the year. ($18) - Penguin Random House, Amazon, Kitchen Arts & Letters ‘99 Bottles: A Black Sheep's Guide to Life-Changing Wines' by Andre Mack. In this entertaining, informative, and thoroughly unconventional wine guide, award-winning sommelier, winemaker, and wine educator André Mack presents listeners with the 99 bottles that have most impacted his life. Instead of just pairing wines with foods, Mack pairs practical information with personal stories, offering up recommendations alongside reflections on being one of the only African-Americans to ever work at the top level of the American wine industry. ($15-$25) (Amazon, Thrift Books, OKSomm, Abrams Books, Bookshop.org) If you're new to the show (and loving it!), leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Please tell me what you're drinking to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Wine Week Episodes Austrian Wine 101 Orange Wine 101 5 Wine-Shopping Hacks 3 Secrets for Selecting the Perfect Wine, Every Time Swiss Wine: Your Ultimate Guide
Welcome to Wine Week on Bri Books! Today I'm sharing with you my 3 can't-fail secrets for selecting the perfect wine, everytime. Whether you're making a wine menu for holiday festivities or you're selecting wine for the table whilst out to dinner, these 3 tips will make you an instant Sommolier. 2:20: #1: Start and end with bubbles! In my humble opinion, bubbles are a must for any summer gathering. Served chilled, it's a decadent way to greet your fête's first arrivals and toast the end of the evening. I learned this trick from Sarita Cheaves, author of the VineMeUp Wine Activity Book and host behind the Swirl Suite podcast. For a wintertime bubble, I'd recommend Vigneron Luciano Saetti Rosso Viola Lambrusco Salamino, 2018 ($21), or the Opera Lambrusco di Modena. Lambrusco paired with capapes or passed hor'dourves is a great way to set the tone for the evening. PS, if you're based in New York, shop Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits for your holiday libations! I love the team there, and I've been a fan since 2019. This 2020 Premier Cru from Chablis, sourced from Kings County Wines, one of my newer wine finds and obsessions in Brooklyn, is an insanely delicious chardonnay that could substitute nicely for bubbles. 5:00: #2: Learn the rules, then break them! When I say this, I'm referring to choosing wine based on my own flavor principle: the lighter the flesh, the lighter the wine. Hence I opt for white wine with fish and creamy pasta dishes, red wines with tomato dishes and red meats, and rosé flows best with vegetables. From there, I forget everything I know and opt for a left-of-center pick such as Meinklang “Mulatschak” Weisser Pino Gris ($20), or an orange wine. I frequent Orange Glou in New York, NY for my orange wines of choice, namely Cantina Marilina's ‘Sikele' 2022 ($24). 7:00: #3: Indulge in a wildcard liquor for quick cocktails! Wine is fine, but liquor is quicker! This summer, try to keep an interesting, wildcard liquor or spirit on hand for last-minute cocktail requests or simply to switch things up in the heat of the night. I recommend Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun ($38-$40), or Method Spirits Vermouth. I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.
The guys are back for Episode 128! They are joined by another guest, Sarita Cheaves! Sarita is a WSET certified DC native, Podcast host & producer of The Swirl Suite Podcast, Roots Fund Scholar, Chef, & Author! She gets into her journey into the wine industry, her love for Greek wine, podcasting, her favorite albums from last year & much more! Make sure to follow her on social media & check out her website below! The guys also revisit some old Lil Wayne mixtape hits & dive into a conversation on his album cuts vs the mixtape hits. They recap NBA All Star Weekend, they share who they think is due for an album this year, & more in this episode! Pour yourself a glass and listen to the full episode now! Follow Sarita Cheaves below! https://www.instagram.com/vinemeup/ https://www.vinemeupdc.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/musicinthebottle/support
Entrepreneur, Wine Educator, Food Enthusiast, & Podcast Host, Sarita Cheaves, graced our podcast with her presence. Sarita shared her knowledge, love, and, experience of the wine world and food community with us, as we hung on every word. Sarita's interest and love for wine blossomed in her twenties from California to DC and from Paris to Greece. When it comes to wine and food, Sarita's palate profile is unstoppable. She lives for pairing delicious foods with the perfect wine, seeking the ideal moment of clarity and relaxation. Sarita is also the producer & host of The Swirl Suite podcast as well as the producer of the Beads N Butter podcast. The Swirl Suite, along with her co-hosts and friends Tanisha, Leslie, & Glynis, offers a variety of knowledge about wines, education, and tourism. They are determined to share their knowledge of all things wine, as an all-black female cast, taking on a white male-dominated industry, showing that diverse representation is still a critical narrative that needs to be told. Grab a glass of wine and of course a cup of coffee as we chat it up with VineMeUp Media Founder, Sarita Cheaves. In the meantime, check out a few of our resources and mentions below: Sarita Cheaves Info - All Social Media: VineMeUp VineMeUp: An Activity Book Celebrating The Melanated Wine Enthusiast VineMeUp DC The Swirl Suite Beads N Butter Black Ankle Vineyards Purchase the “Giving Yourself Grace Daily” Ebook HERE Subscribe to our Newsletter - Sign up here! Check out our latest blogs - Sharing our thoughts Be the first to grab some new merch from our platform - Shop at our SHOP Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DiverseLuv) We would love to hear from you! Email: truthandcoffeetime@gmail.com www.DiverseLuv.com www.TruthandCoffeeTime.com Linktree: DiverseLuv Podcast Credits Engineering & Editing by Brigz Crawford | Instagram:@brigzcrawford Truth & Coffee Time Theme Song by Brigz Crawford | Spotify: Brigz Crawford Truth & Coffee Time Tag - Mink Productions Podcast Contributors: ORG5 Podcast Hosted by Anchor.fm --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/truthandcoffeetime/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/truthandcoffeetime/support
Incredibly fun discussion to kick off the first Court of Wine with amazing panelists: Liz Barrett - https://whatsinthatbottle.com/ Sarita Cheaves - https://www.vinemeupdc.com/ and https://soundcloud.com/swirl-suite Sandra Everingham - https://www.risingwinescollective.com/ Recorded 24 August, 2022 We discuss news and topics from the following articles: Author: W. Blake Gray Publication: Wine-Searcher Date: July 18, 2022 Title: Direct Wine Shipping Comes Under Fire URL: https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2022/07/direct-wine-shipping-comes-under-fire Author: Paul Vigna Publication: Pennlive.com Date: July 15, 2022 Title: Wine Enthusiast decision has more than a few states feeling left out URL: https://www.pennlive.com/food/2022/07/wine-enthusiast-decision-has-more-than-a-few-states-feeling-left-out.html Author: Press Release Publication: Wine Industry Advisor Date: July 26, 2022 Title: Woodbridge® Debuts First-to-Market Wine Sodas URL: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2022/07/26/woodbridge-debuts-first-to-market-wine-sodas Author: Harpers Editorial team Publication: Harpers Date: July 15, 2022 Title: Friday read: Why bulk is the hot ticket in the face of climate change URL: https://harpers.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/30467/Friday_read:_Why_bulk_is_the_hot_ticket_in_the_face_of_climate_change.html
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Wine Road Podcast Episode 136 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 136 | Sarita Cheaves of Vine Me Up— Author, Podcaster, and Wine Influencer (the good kind!) Wine of the Day – 2018 Ron Rubin Chardonnay Wine Book of the Day – Vine Me Up Activity Book Podcast Sponsor – Ron Rubin Winery SHOW NOTES 0:54 Meet Sarita Cheaves--- Author of Vine Me Up activity book, Podcaster, and Instagram food & wine pairing maven. Started out working in a local winery, discovered he love of wine and then got her WSET certification. 6:45 Wine of the Day 2018 Ron Rubin Russian River Chardonnay 9:15 How Sarita came up with the idea for the Vine Me Up –An Activity Book Celebrating the Melanated Wine Enthusiast, filled with word puzzles and other games related to wine and black wine makers. 12:50 Sarita, an accomplished home chef, tells us what she would make and pair with Chardonnay. 14:20 Check out Sarita's food and wine Instagram at @VineMeUp 16:05 Book of the Day- Can you guess? It's Vine Me Up, once again. 18: 30 Todd O'Leary VP of Marketing and Communications for Sonoma Tourism joins us to tell us all about -- The Sonoma Sound! A soundtrack for Sonoma County made locally recorded at White Whale studio, and written, produced and performed all by local Sonoma musicians. Check out the link to see the video and hear the recording. 22:50 One More Thing –Wine and Food Affair will be held November 5,6, 7 last day for ticket sales on Tuesday October 26th. NOTE: Wine & Food Affair is now SOLD OUT! 23:50 New! The Varietal of the Month Reviews will now be coming direct to your inbox as we revive the program with Marcy writing tasting notes of 5-8 wines from our Wine Road members. October Varietal of the Month is Viognier. Sign up to get the Varietal of the Month newsletter at www.wineroad.com Links Vine Me Up Website - https://www.vinemeupdc.com Vine Me Up Instagram @vinemeup Swirl Suite Podcast Vine Me Up Activity Book Wine of The Day – 2018 Ron Rubin Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Sonoma Sound Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery Wine Road Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast Credits:The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Wine Road Podcast Episode 134 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 134 | Stacy Rafanelli—A. Rafanelli Winery Stacy Rafanelli, Operations Manager (and everything else that needs to be done) at A. Rafanelli Winery tells us all about the four generations of family behind the name, their winemaking program and wine portfolio including their flagship A. Rafanelli Zinfandel. Wine of the Day – 2019 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel Wine Book of the Day – Vine Me Up by Sarita Cheaves Podcast Sponsor – Ron Rubin Winery SHOW NOTES 0:45 Wine and Food Affair is on for November 5, 6, & 7 – visit wineroad.com for tickets and details. Tickets ARE LIMITED! 1:33 Wine of The Day-- 2019 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel, the flagship wine of A. Rafanelli. 4:00 History of the winery originated with the matriarch of the family, Leticia. And the growth of winery in Dry Creek Valley. 7:45: How Stacy got involved in the family business. From Law to Wine! 10:00 Who is the A in A. Rafanelli? Stacy's grandmother designed the awesome woodcut label on the bottles. 11:50 Tasting room open by appointment only booked on every hour to half hour. Closed on Tuesdays. During Harvest only booking from 12-4pm. 13:44 Cooking demos with Stacy's mom over Zoom. 15:00 Stacy's gives her favorite places to go with her friends from foodies to outdoor enthusiasts. 17:10 Book of the Day –Vine Me Up Activity Book by Sarita Cheaves. 19:30 Listeners of this show that visit A. Rafanelli in the month of October will get a complimentary tasting for two. Mention Wine Road Podcast when you call. Call for an appointment at 707-433-1385 21:40 Go to Ron Rubin Web and click on the link “Trained For Saving Lives” to learn about the defibrillator program spearheaded by Ron Rubin. Links Rafanellli Winery https://www.arafanelliwinery.com/ Vine Me Up Activity Book https://www.vinemeupdc.com/ Stacy's Dining Recommendations: Campo Fina https://www.campofina.com/ Dry Creek Kitchen https://drycreekkitchen.com/ Vallette https://www.valettehealdsburg.com/ Noble Folk https://www.thenoblefolk.com/ Russian River Valley Wine Growers -- https://russianrivervalley.org/ Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery -- https://ronrubinwinery.com/ Wine Road https://www.wineroad.com Sonoma County Winegrowers -- https://sonomawinegrape.org/ Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA http://thresholdstudios.info/
From podcaster to blogger to author, Sarita Cheaves is a wine media producer with a passion for food and wine. A DC native, she is known for discovering great wines and unique wine pairings and has a WSET (Wine Spirits Education Trust) certification. Sarita's latest launch is a wine activity book titled to be adored by wine enthusiasts and those seeking knowledge about Blacks in wine. In this episode Sarita shares how a trip to Napa Valley propelled her interest in wine. She also shares how the podcast she produces The Swirl Suite helped her to center Black women in the wine industry, and how through blogging and writing she has been able to think outside of the box to educate consumers and make wine more accessible to everyone. In the Table Topic, I lead a fun "unconventional wine pairing" exercise where Sarita offers her recommendations for pairing wine with some of your favorite corner store snacks! Learn more about Sarita Cheaves, listen to The Swirl Suite podcast, and read her blog Vine Me Up below: Website: vinemeupdc.com Podcast: swirlsuite.com Facebook: /vinemeup Instagram: @vinemeup Twitter: @vinemeup TikTok: @vinemeupdc Below are the wine and snack pairings that were mentioned by Sarita. Snickers and Chardonnay (Oaked) Ice Cream Sandwiches and California Zinfandel Hot Fries or Flaming Hot Cheetos and Tokaji or Tokay Funyun Rings and Chardonnay (Oaked or Unoaked) Cherry Popsicle and Rosé (Pinot Noir) Chico Sticks and Red Blend (Portuguese) Popcorn and Cava or Champagne Also mentioned by Sarita Cheaves in this episode: Black Ankle Vineyards Purchase Vine Me Up Activity Book
In this episode Kimberly Harris discusses the notion of “throw 2020 away.” Notes: Quote: “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” Zora Neal Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God Song mentioned: Ghetto Story, Cham Japanese art of repairing broken pottery: Kintsugi, also known as Kintsukuroi Produced by: Sarita Cheaves |scheaves@vinemeup.com
In this episode Kimberly Harris discusses how the Bitter Greens podcast transpired, SoulFull Connections and the Triple Threat. Produced by: Sarita Cheaves | scheaves@vinemeup.com Music by: CSakyi Beatz
Episode 62 of "Guestbook Podcast". All July, Guestbook Podcast features 2-part episodes from a couple very special guests who have graced Union Inn over the last couple months. The second is Sarita Cheaves— oenophile extraordinaire of the highest quality vintage, architect of vinemeupdc.com & @vinemeup (all SM platforms) and co-host of the popular “Swirl Suite Podcast”. In Part 2 of her two-part episode, Sarita runs down her “5-5-5-5-5” suggestions for the Guestbook Podcast listeners: 5 reds, 5 whites, 5 roses, 5 sparkling wines and 5 Washington, DC hotspots to satisfy your inner-oenophile. The Internets – W: vinemeupdc.com | SC: @swirl-suite | TW: @vinemeup | IG: @vinemeup @ariverspeaks @swirlsuite Swirl Suite Co-Hosts: @girlmeetsglass @vino_noire @vino301 Recorded at Union Inn in the heart of Washington, DC, "Guestbook Podcast" is hosted by world-famous conversationalist and host-extraordinaire "Innkeeper Freddie". Join him as he interviews the myriad of guests who visit his home/Inn. IG: @guestbookpod | @innkeeperfreddie | @unioninndc W: unioninndc.com E: innkeeper@unioninndc.com
Episode 61 of "Guestbook Podcast". All July, Guestbook Podcast features 2-part episodes from a couple very special guests who have graced Union Inn over the last couple months. The second is Sarita Cheaves— oenophile extraordinaire of the highest quality vintage, architect of vinemeupdc.com & @vinemeup (all SM platforms) and co-host of the popular “Swirl Suite Podcast”. In Part 1 of her two-part episode, Sarita recounts to Innkeeper Freddie her path to oenophilia and how it led to the ultimate inception and positive reception of her blog (“Vine Me Up”) and podcast (“Swirl Suite”). Next week, Part 2’s episode has a special treat for the listeners. Sarita lists her “5-5-5-5-5” suggestions to satisfy your inner-oenophile: 5 reds, 5 whites, 5 roses, 5 sparkling wines and 5 Washington, DC hotspots to VINdulge…see what I did there ;-). The Internets – W: vinemeupdc.com | SC: @swirl-suite | TW: @vinemeup | IG: @vinemeup @ariverspeaks @swirlsuite Swirl Suite Co-Hosts (IG): @girlmeetsglass @vino_noire @vino301 Recorded at Union Inn in the heart of Washington, DC, "Guestbook Podcast" is hosted by world-famous conversationalist and host-extraordinaire "Innkeeper Freddie". Join him as he interviews the myriad of guests who visit his home/Inn. IG: @guestbookpod | @innkeeperfreddie | @unioninndc W: unioninndc.com E: innkeeper@unioninndc.com
Episode 60 of "Guestbook Podcast". Recorded at the tail end of his 5-week stay at Union Inn, Part 2 of Rich Rosenzweig's two-part episode covers Rich's profession as a musician (drummer)and how he's been able to manage the balance between playing jazz, playing Broadway AND playing months-long touring musicials over his 30+ years as a performing musician based in the Big Apple. All July, Guestbook Podcast features 2-part episodes from a couple very special guests who graced Union Inn over the last couple months. Next week, Part 1 of 'The Swirl Suite' Podcast's very own Sarita Cheaves who swings through the Inn to 'aerate' with Innkeeper Freddie on all things oenophile. ;-) The Internets – W: https://richrosenzweig.weebly.com Part 1: https://soundcloud.com/guestbookpodcast/0059-rich-rosenzweig-screenwritermusician-part-1 Recorded at Union Inn in the heart of Washington, DC, "Guestbook Podcast" is hosted by world-famous conversationalist and host-extraordinaire "Innkeeper Freddie". Join him as he interviews the myriad of guests who visit his home/Inn. IG: @guestbookpod | @innkeeperfreddie | @unioninndc W: unioninndc.com E: innkeeper@unioninndc.com
Two weeks ago, the #MTYRetreat took place at Nizuc Resort and Spa in Cancun, Mexico. To say it was transformative...would be an understatement. I’ve enlisted @SwirlSuite Podcast co-host and producer Sarita Cheaves (@vinemeup) to help me unpack the magic behind CURLBOX founder Myleik Teele’s second annual retreat. 1:40 - In this episode, we’re going deep on our experiences at #MTYRetreat, the second annual retreat hosted by CURLBOX founder and CEO Myleik Teele. Myleik offers unfiltered advice on everything from business to parenthood on her “Myleik Teele’s podcast” platform. 2:42 - The #MTYRetreat was designed as “a curated getaway inspired by next-level luxury and the cultural experiences of Myleik.” The goal was the restore, transform and edify attendees. The MTYRetreat consisted of a 4-day, 3-night experience at Nizuc Resort and Spa, a AAA 5 Diamond Award-winning resort, complete with masterclass workshops, fireside chats/ cocktails and conversations, and so much dancing. 3:18 - Sarita was a first-time MTYRetreat attendee, and I was coming back for second year. In this episode we’re sharing our favorite takeaways and moments from the retreat. We have so much gratitude for the CURLBOX team, Myleik, Karleen Roy and The Vanity Group for making magic. 5:40 - Sarita introduction: Sarita is a wine writer and producer of "Swirl Suite,” a podcast that's all about wine, liquor, spirits, beer, and life. 6:30 - Who is Myleik? Founder and CEO of CURLBOX, Myleik’s receipts print THEMSELVES! She’s an entrepreneur and PR extraordinare and she’s so intensely devoted to black women gathering our resources, talents, and ambitions. 8:15 - How Sarita discovered Myleik: via Side Hustle Pro podcast! Sarita heard Myleik on an episode, and immediately had to acquaint herself with Myleik’s work. Sarita says Myleik’s words are incredible: “Her words of encouragement are extremely firm and clear. There’s no fluff. I love everything about it.” 9:20 - Myleik wanted to teach us what she didn’t know. So, she hosted #MTYRetreat with support from her multi-hyphenate baddie brigade: Bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi, ministry leader Sarah Jakes Roberts, Blavity founder Morgan DeBaun, creator of Karma Bliss and author of “Crystal Bliss” Devi Brown, “Insecure” star Yvonne Orji, style and fashion journalist extraordinaire Kahlana Barfield-Brown, and founder of XONecole Necole Kane. 10:00 - Sarita describes her first moments at MTYRetreat, from the flight touching down at the airport to pulling up at the Nizuc Resort and Spa lobby: “We touched down and I walked into the lobby. The scene from the lobby, where you can spot the water, left me breathless. I stood there for a moment and took it in, like, “Wow I don’t know what I’m in for, but my life is about to change.” 11:30 - The first night of the retreat was a fun dinner-cocktail party, complete with a gorgeously set, long dining table. There was such ease in the room as attendees mingled. Brionna says, “I kept feeling like everyone was putting in the same energy. Everyone wanted to be there. 12:07 - Sarita on arriving at the #MTYRetreat late, and how her roommate helped her ease into the experience, and the incredible wall of personalized menus! 14:30 - On Saturday, we began with a Saturday Sunrise Service and a morning word by Sarah Jakes Roberts, a ministry leader and best-selling author. Jakes-Roberts lead a Sunrise Service, where all were welcome to participate, dress in white, walk to the edge of the ocean on the beach, and share a spiritual yet grounding moment. 15:30 - Sarita and Brionna describe the beauty of watching the sunrise surrounded by dozens of black women, all wearing white. 16:30 - Sailing on “The Retreat by Myleik” catamaran! 17:30 - The elation of enjoying poolside champagne with wine writer/ expert and consultant Julia Coney!! 18:00 - There was a huge breadth of experiences and people present at the retreat. Not everyone needed to have a “side hustle” or have something “going on.” So much of the programming was directed toward pouring back into everyone who attended MTYRetreat. Seeing connections made in real-time, and watching the “accelerated collisions” was incredible. The moments of clarity and connection will keep reverberating. Nothing “ends” at the MTYRetreat--it’s where everything takes off. 20:00 - Sarita on connecting with #MTYRetreat attendees: “It felt nice to connect souls with people.” 20:35 - Sunday’s #MTYRetreat Masterclass series! To kick it off, Myleik invited at least a half dozen of the most interesting, multifaceted people in her world to offer insights. The first to masterclass speaker was Devi Brown, founder of lifestyle and wellness company Karma Bliss, and author of “Crystal Bliss.” Devi was so efervescent yet stabilizing. Her discussion on purpose:”Purpose is using your unique gifts, unique abilities to be of service to others.” 22:00 - Devi’s meditation according to Sarita: “We had to close our eyes, and respond to ourselves. She kept saying, “Who are you?” Not mom or wife--that’s who you are to others---who are YOU? Outside of a professional career or titles, who ARE you?! Devi also said, “You’re only you to yourself.” THINK ON THAT! 22:30 - Morgan DeBaun, founder of Blavity, offered a workshop about working smart. Why Sarita loved Morgan: “She took the emotion out of setting goals." 23:40 - Sarita on Morgan’s recommendation/ homework--separating CEO tasks from operating tasks. 24:45 - Yvonne Orji shut it DOWN with her energy, her story, and her vulnerability. 25:20 - Sarita discusses Yvonne’s story of success: “What resonate with me was that she (Yvonne) said she auditioned for “Insecure” for five times, because one person she was competing with was doing great, but they plateaued in the audition. However, as Yvonne kept coming back, she kept taking notes and getting better and better. The team said, ‘If she’s getting better just from notes, just imagine how great she’ll be with producers and a director.” WOW! 26:15 - Brionna’s favorite Yvonne quote: “I hate regret more than I hate fear.” 27:00 - How the level of courtesy at Nizuc Resort and Spa impacted us 28:50 - Much love to DJ and author Olivia Dope for keeping us dancing! 29:15 - Sarita’s MTYRetreat action item: Identifying CEO and operational tasks, a la Morgan deBaun. 30:40 - Brionna’s MTYRetreat action item: Be a good human, a la Yvonne Orji. Being considerate, compassionate and courteous are skills. Yes, you can be FAIR and NICE at the same time. Devi’s quote, “The lessons repeat as needed” HIT ME HARD! 32:15 - SO MUCH LOVE to Ms. Diana on the CURLBOX team, for being such a rockstar. Periodt. 33:05 - Final thoughts: MTYRetreat was worth it 100%! We’re still reaping the benefits, and will do so going forward. Sarita’s expectations were exceeded. She says, “I don’t know what I needed when I got there, but I certainly received it when I left.” 33:45 - Brionna’s #bribooks is from Sarita! “Lost in the City", a book of short stories about DC, by Edward P. Jones.
Benita & Terricinia will talk about wine, trips, and have a really fun time! Get Your glass in hand, be ready for Something to Wine About. Tune in because you'll never what guests they will have lined up! This week the wine gang sits down with "Vine Me Up" DMV leading lady Sarita Cheaves