Corks & Cubicles: Welcome to Zakiya Uncorked.
Wine to me is passion. It’s family and friends. It’s warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. – Robert Mondavi (quote often attributed to Margrit Mondavi, his wife)
Corks & Cubicles: Welcome to Zakiya Uncorked.
Discovering Wine with Grandma
Wine has always been an integral part of my life. When I was nine, my family moved from Clarksville, Virginia, to Raleigh, North Carolina. Adjusting to a bigger city was a challenge, but my love for watching things grow never wavered. This passion blossomed at age 11, during summers spent with my grandma in Clarksville. Together with my older cousins and uncles, we planted fruits and vegetables. My brother and I would pick berries and fruits, learning to can, make jelly, and even create wine under my grandma’s patient guidance. By summer’s end, our hard work was celebrated with biscuits and homemade jelly, while my grandparents enjoyed their homemade wines. These summers continued until I turned 17.
From College to Corporate
At 21, the first drink I bought was a glass of 2018 Conundrum White. I’ll never forget the taste—partly because I was finally legal, and partly because, well, my ID didn’t get a workout for nothing! That moment ignited my curiosity and love for wine. During college, I slowly deepened my understanding of wine, although my career path led elsewhere. Graduating from North Carolina Century University with degrees in criminal justice and public administration, I initially struggled to find a job. Eventually, I found myself in human resources, recruiting, and now, process improvement.
Wine: My Escape and Passion
Corporate life brought its own challenges, but I found solace in a glass of wine. Studying its taste, smell, and flavors became a form of relaxation and escape, almost like a mini-vacation after work. (And much cheaper than actual vacations, I might add.) This realization sparked a journey to learn more about wine, honoring the people and places that shaped my life.
Summer Beginnings and New Adventures
As we embrace the warmth and vibrancy of summer, I’m thrilled to welcome you to “Zakiya Uncorked.” This blog blends two of my passions: sharing corporate career advice and my love for wine. Summer is a season of new beginnings and adventures, making it the perfect time to start this journey with you.
Join me as I navigate life, offering insights into both career success and the world of wine. Whether you’re looking for tips on advancing your corporate career or discovering the best wines to enjoy this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s learn and grow together as a community. And remember: life’s too short to drink bad wine!
Sip, Savor, and Succeed with Zakiya Uncorked
