Who Does She Think She Is?

Turning Military Discipline into Winemaking & Wealth

SUMMARY In this episode, Mele Miller hosts Dr. Sheila Adams, a retired military officer and founder of Kai Simone Winery. Sheila shares her inspiring journey of transforming discipline, resilience, and strategic planning from her military career into building an award-winning wine business. Discover how her vision for legacy, representation, and community impact fueled her entrepreneurial journey amid the challenges of starting a winery. If you're visiting San Antonio, be sure to experience the charm of Kai Simone Winery’s beautiful event space and see firsthand what makes it a must-visit destination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The "Theo-Patra" Legacy: Blending Power, Heritage, and Storytelling

Legacy in the Vines sponsored by Urban Connoisseurs THEODORA LEE The “Theo‑Patra” Legacy: Blending Power, Heritage, and Storytelling.   RESOURCES & LINKS: https://www.urbanconnoisseurs.com/ www.theopolisvineyards.com [http://www.theopolisvineyards.com]    WINE CLUB — TheopolisVineyards [https://www.theopolisvineyards.com/wineclub]     Labor and Employment Practice - http://www.littler.com [http://www.littler.com]   CONNECT WITH THEODORA LEE: https://www.instagram.com/theopolisvineyards/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodora-lee-03570a5/ SUMMARY Uncover the fascinating journey of Theodora Lee, a trailblazing woman who defies expectations at every turn. From law firm success to pioneering a vineyard empire, her story of bold vision, resilience, and authentic leadership will inspire you to rethink what's possible. Dive into a conversation that reveals how purpose and passion can align with financial independence, community impact, and personal joy—all while breaking barriers and redefining legacy.    TIMESTAMPS: 00:42 - Introduction to Theodora Lee and her multifaceted career 01:15 - The influence of an educator household and community leadership 01:55 - How the world perceives Theodora and her impact 02:22 - The importance of making a difference through work and community 03:10 - Breaking barriers as a Black woman lawyer in major law firms 03:37 - Journey to partnership at Littler and early leadership achievements 04:04 - Building a book of business and the significance of rainmaking 04:56 - Achieving partnership in five years, challenging industry norms 05:19 - Leadership trends among women of color in corporate environments 06:10 - The power of strategic career moves and opportunism 07:16 - Redefining success beyond financial gains 07:41 - Joy in client wins, wine tasting, and personal relationships 08:55 - The importance of an integrated life and authenticity 09:49 - Investing in community, schools, and personal values 10:44 - Developing financial independence and early savings mindset 12:29 - Debunking work-life balance and embracing authentic self 13:50 - Investing in community and the power of love and positivity 14:17 - Entrepreneurial spirit from childhood to adulthood 15:58 - Overcoming barriers and emphasizing the importance of education 18:05 - Family legacy, land investments, and the importance of land ownership 21:51 - The transition from law to wine making and land cultivation 25:00 - Building and maintaining a vineyard, and cultivating the land’s potential 30:29 - Business failures, rejection, and learning resilience 35:38 - Continuing education in wine making and fostering diversity 36:34 - Long-term strategic investing and serving underserved communities 37:23 - Advice for young people on wealth-building and patience 39:23 - Planning for retirement and lifestyle beyond the traditional concept 41:08 - The value of experiences, travel, and creating joyful memories 42:21 - The big dream: traveling to every continent with wine and pleasure 43:14 - Curiosity and adventurous pursuits like skydiving 43:43 - Embracing authenticity, self-awareness, and inner identity 45:11 - Reflecting on life’s journey, legacy, and purpose 45:36 - The story behind Theopatra wine label and its cultural significance 48:16 - How to engage with Theopolis Vineyards and upcoming events 49:07 - Closing thoughts on passion, love for life, and living fully Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

How Winemaker Shae Frichette Knows the Land Is the Legacy

Legacy in the Vines sponsored by Urban Connoisseurs SHAE FRICHETTE: The Land Is the Legacy   RESOURCES & LINKS: * https://www.urbanconnoisseurs.com/ * https://frichettewinery.com/ * https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaefrichette * https://www.winemag.com/food-drink/wine-food-pairing-guide/ * https://vinepair.com/articles/vineyard-investment-essentials/ CONNECT WITH SHAE FRICHETTE: * https://www.instagram.com/shaefrichette * https://www.facebook.com/frichettewinery SUMMARY: For generations, Black families worked land they would never own—building wealth for others while their own dreams were deferred. But today, a powerful shift is happening. Descendants of sharecroppers are reclaiming land, building assets, and rewriting the financial legacy of their families. Shae Frichette is the co-owner and winemaker at Frichette Winery, the first Black-owned winery in Washington’s Red Mountain AVA. Transitioning from corporate life to viticulture, she crafts bold, elegant wines and hosts community-focused events, blending passion, storytelling, and hospitality to create memorable wine experiences. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome to the episode: Ownership, land, and legacy beyond wine 00:41 - Introducing Shae Frichette: Winemaker, leader, community builder 02:04 - Perception and identity: How the world sees Shae 03:09 - The power of recognition and presence in community interactions 04:38 - Shae’s journey into winemaking: From dry home upbringing to vineyard owner 05:54 - Soil and environment: Lessons from South Carolina to Eastern Washington 06:50 - Farming as a science, craft, and community ecosystem 08:00 - Involving family and community in vineyard life 09:09 - Failing forward: Learning from planting and soil challenges 10:26 - Creating a safe environment to innovate and learn 11:44 - Timeline of vineyard development and the importance of patience 12:29 - Succession planting in agriculture and its parallels in winemaking 14:20 - Opportunity costs and long-term planning in vineyard investment 15:59 - Jumping into wine business: Strategies for quick entry 17:14 - Strategic positioning: Direct-to-consumer focus and community engagement 18:24 - Overcoming underestimation and industry barriers as a Black woman 19:45 - Community support, family involvement, and sharing the craft 22:50 - Stewardship, investing in community, and the value of collective effort 26:01 - Shae’s personal style, confidence, and alignment with her purpose 28:24 - Navigating industry perceptions and self-awareness in success 33:20 - Engaging the community with Shae’s products and brand 35:40 - Rapid fire: Pairing wine with light seafood and exploring flavors 36:23 - Final reflections: Self-identity, resilience, and building legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Plant Based & Paid: Heal Your Body, Build Your Bag

Note from Mele: Physical discomfort teaches us about our body. Get your health in check and save 20% on your first order at https://justthrivehealth.com/CX [https://justthrivehealth.com/CX]   Guest links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/SweetPotatoSoul Website - https://sweetpotatosoul.com/ Jenné’s Cookbook - Sweet Potato Soul Vegan Vibes: 100 Soulful Plant-Based Recipes for Healthy Everyday Meals [https://a.co/d/0796RLWk]   Summary Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jenné Claiborne, a disruptor in the food and wellness space, as she shares her journey from childhood passions to building a purpose-driven brand. Discover how her family, culture, and bold approach to health and entrepreneurship shape her mission to transform legacy recipes and promote wellness.   Topics Jenné Claiborne, vegan soul food, health disruptor, food culture, entrepreneurship, legacy recipes, wellness, Atlanta, real estate, financial independence   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culinary Disruption 04:26 The Journey of a Culinary Genius 07:07 Early Influences and Passion for Cooking 10:03 The Role of Family in Shaping Career 12:54 Navigating Cultural Expectations and Money 15:46 The Impact of Financial Literacy 18:39 Disrupting Traditional Food Culture 21:32 Facing Resistance in Plant-Based Cooking 24:25 Embracing Individuality and Authenticity 31:22 Navigating Criticism in Culinary Innovation 32:16 Cultural Adaptation and Food Evolution 33:43 The Legacy of Soul Food and Healthier Choices 34:46 The Impact of social media on Content Creation 38:55 Understanding Personal Impact and Community Influence 40:40 Celebrating Financial Milestones and Home Ownership 44:28 Challenging Societal Norms in Real Estate 48:42 Empowerment Through Financial Literacy 50:59 The Importance of Knowing Your Worth 53:12 Self-Identity and Spiritual Purpose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Discomfort Is Data: What It Taught Me About Leveling Up (Part 2)

Part 2 - Discomfort is Data: What it Taught Me About Leveling Up   Note from Mele: Get your health in check and save 20% on your first order at https://justthrivehealth.com/CX [https://justthrivehealth.com/CX]   Summary This conversation delves into the themes of insecurity, frustration, and adversity in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in overcoming these challenges. The speaker shares personal insights and practical advice on navigating workplace tension and adversity, highlighting that while frustration often stems from poor communication, adversity is an external force that can impact one's career and personal growth. The discussion culminates in strategies for overcoming adversity and fostering resilience.   Takeaways * Frustration is driven by poor communication and unclear expectations. * Workplace tension often arises from misaligned priorities. * Communication is unique to each individual, influenced by personal experiences. * Understanding how others receive your message is crucial to reducing frustration. * Frustration can escalate if not addressed promptly and effectively. * Clarity in communication can alleviate frustration and improve teamwork. * Adversity is an external challenge that can impact one's career. * Experiencing adversity does not define who you are as a person. * Real solutions for overcoming adversity are essential for personal growth. * Adversity is a part of life and growth in our careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]