We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamishia Ramsey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamishia below.

Alright, Jamishia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.

Yes, we donate a portion of all proceeds every month to St. Mary’s Enter in Oakland. I chose St. Mary’s center because they serve the community i was born and raised.

St. Mary’s center serves senior homeless people and young women with small children In which they assist with hot meals, clothing, groceries, childcare, emergency shelter and the list goes on.

I have had personal experience with there services growing up also having family members and friends of family needing assistance through St.Mary’s center. I would say they are a pillar of my community. I feel it’s always important to give back.

stmaryscenter.org

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

You know people always ask me my story so here it goes! I am Jamishia Ramsey the eldest of 7. Born and raised in Oakland ca. i became a wine maker in 2021. Before that i worked a regular 9-5 like everyone else i actually worked at the Internal Revenue Service for 6 years on the phones. You can imagine after a long day of work i would need a glass or even bottle of wine.

My wine journey started with moscato and Chardonnay’s. Later i transitioned into reds with my favorite being a Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. After my first visit to one of napas vineyards i then knew i want to have my own wine brand and business.

Now this was not an easy journey, using my research skills from what i had learned at my 9-5 i started to research different vineyards and ordering samples from all across California,, visiting more vineyards in my area. Saving my coins because this was a very expensive trip non the less. After choosing which varietal and winery i wanted to work with labels we’re creating and production was started.

We offer 3 varietals a Cabernet Sauvignon a Chardonnay and Sparkling Rose. Here at Black Excellence Wine Co we strive to create thee best customer experience i love to hear feedback and suggestions of what the people want so that we can provide just that!

I am so proud of me and how far I’ve come it hasn’t been easy but I’m here and here to stay. I’ve met so many inspirational women and men in wine and it has been an ultimate blessing and pleasure to be apart of the black wine community.

We recently just launched our Wine Club you can find it on our website @blackexcellencewineco.com along with our merchandise and ebook.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Black Excellence Wine Co is self funded. It took about 2 years to save to start my business. The initial idea was envisioned in 2016. I wasn’t able to start the process until 2021

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I hear all time you’re doing it! Your doing this your doing that, people think I’m rich all of of sudden and i think it’s because of what is shown via social media. But they don’t understand the time, you put in, the losses you take, the judgment, etc. Its not all what it seems this is a very hard industry definitely not for the weak. I have days where I’m ready to quit, and cry sad tears and happy tears, but then i think about how far I’ve came how hard I’ve worked to build this brand and how I’m not going to stop until it’s a household name. This is a legacy that I’ve created for my children. I strive to represent Black Excellence for us as a culture and for anyone who wants to experience it.

Contact Info:

• Website: Blackexcellencewineco.com
• Instagram: Blackexcellencewineco
• Facebook: Blackexcellencewineco