We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shakia Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shakia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Cyrenity Sips Winery is a family-owned business that proudly reflects our names: Cyan, Clifford, and Shakia Williams. The ‘W’ in our winery’s name honors our family surname. ‘Cyrenity’ is a unique blend of our daughter’s name and the essence of serenity, symbolizing the tranquil experience we offer. ‘Sips’ signifies our openness to expanding beyond wine to include a variety of beverages like coffee and tea.

Shakia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Shakia Williams, owner and winemaker at Cyrenity Sips Winery. My journey into the wine industry began with a love for creativity and community, which was further developed when I managed Virginia Beach Winery for two years. That experience gave me the confidence and vision to open Cyrenity Sips, where we focus on small-batch, handcrafted wines that tell a story.

At Cyrenity Sips, we offer a wide range of unique wines, including everything from sparkling varieties to fun, creative blends like our peach wine with edible glitter. In addition to our wines, we provide off-site tastings, private events, and even personalized wine experiences like our ‘Cheers and Cherries’ cocktail event, where guests can bottle, cork, and label their own creations.

What sets us apart is our commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a Black woman-owned winery, I’m proud to offer a space where everyone feels welcome. We solve the problem of finding personalized, meaningful experiences in wine, whether it’s through custom labeling, fundraising partnerships, or our creative events.

I’m most proud of the personal connections I’ve built with my clients and the stories we share through our wines. Cyrenity Sips isn’t just about wine; it’s about creating moments, building relationships, and offering an inclusive space where everyone can celebrate life’s special occasions.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Indeed, my side project evolved into my main business venture. Having spent nine years in Medicaid compliance, it was at the six-year threshold that I embarked on Cyrenity Sips Winery as a passion project. What began as a part-time endeavor soon revealed the extent of creative freedom I relished.

Juggling both responsibilities meant missing out on pivotal events that could have propelled the business forward. It was this realization that spurred my decision to fully commit. Departing from my compliance role, I was able to wholeheartedly invest in Cyrenity Sips, fostering event creation, inventory expansion, and networking opportunities that were instrumental in the business’s growth.

Significant achievements included initiating private wine tastings, diversifying our offerings with distinctive flavors, and enhancing our community event involvement. The transformation of my side hustle into a full-time enterprise has been a testament to dedication and tenacity, and the progress of Cyrenity Sips is a source of immense pride.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that really highlights my resilience is the process of opening Cyrenity Sips Winery. Finding a location was a huge challenge—there were numerous delays in securing the right space. Once I did find a spot, I faced further setbacks with utility installations. On top of that, the pandemic caused long turnaround times with local, federal, and state governing offices, making it difficult to get the necessary permits and approvals.

Despite these hurdles, I stayed focused on the goal. I had to adapt, constantly follow up, and push through the obstacles. It wasn’t easy, but every delay taught me patience and reinforced my commitment to seeing my vision come to life. Today, Cyrenity Sips Winery stands as a testament to that resilience, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come in overcoming those early challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cyrenitysips.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealcyrenitysipswinery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cyrenitysipswinery/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakia-williams-15461312/

Image Credits

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