Welcome to the first installment of Table for 1, my new series where I let my palate do the talking and point you toward places worth eating and drinking beyond your own neighborhood. Kicking things off felt easy once I remembered a trip that has been sitting with me for weeks.

Some getaways do not need to be far to feel like a full exhale. Boston to New York is about a four hour train ride (shout out to Amtrak), but the second I stepped off at Penn Station and made my way uptown, something in my shoulders dropped. I did not need an island or a passport this time. I just needed sidewalks that hummed with a different rhythm than my own city, and Harlem always delivers a cup filling vibe.

I started my day at the Studio Museum in Harlem, letting the artistry slow me down and the high ceiling ease my stress levels. After about an hour of walking through the museum and learning about the current exhibits and installations, I decided to walk through Harlem (it’s been a while) and that walk ended up being its own kind of exhibit.

It was extremely hot and the kind of thick July heat that makes the block feel alive rather than uncomfortable: from the speaker playing old school R&B loud enough to reach the corner, to teenage girls huddled over a phone laughing about something online, it felt good to be Black and unhurried in Harlem. Elders also sat on stoops fanning themselves and watching the world go by while I soaked in every second of it on my way to dinner.

The space itself already sets a welcoming tone before you even enter through the curtain at the entrance. Upon entering, it felt like a group of people (hint hint) who love Harlem built a room that honors the warm and intentional vibes of Harlem without trying too hard. I walked in and was immediately greeted by the host who had such a friendly demeanor. I didn’t have a reservations but he was too kind and was able to accommodate me with a Table for 1.

So like a true Panamanian, I had the fried sweet plantains and they were exactly what a hot Harlem afternoon called for. Caramelized on the outside, soft and sweet in the center, the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes for a second before you even realize you did it.

I also went with the pan seared branzino. Fermented scallion, charred cherry tomatoes, wilted chicory, and a butter peri peri sauce that tied the whole plate together with just enough heat to keep things interesting. The fish was delicate, the sauce was bold, and the balance of it all felt like a conversation between comfort and craft. It was the kind of dish that reminds you good food does not have to choose between soulful and elevated. It can be both.

And you guys know I will primarily gravitate toward wine, so I paired the meal with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from Starborough, Marlborough, 2021. Crisp, bright, with just enough citrus to cut through the richness of the butter sauce and cool me down after that walk in the sun. I also tried a cocktail special that they were featuring for the night (cocktail shown in image). I don’t remember the exact name of it but after the glass of wine and this special cocktail I was fully settled into the evening, in no rush to be anywhere else.

Sitting there, full and content, I kept thinking about how a good getaway does not always require extreme physical distance from yoru reality. Sometimes it just requires art to open your eyes, a neighborhood to remind your body what joy sounds like, and a table like the one at The Good Good to bring it all home on a plate.

Harlem, I will be back. The And Good Good, save me a seat at the bar!

xoxo,

Ty-Juana

Location | Boston, MA

Happy Juneteenth eve! I’m back with another story grounded in celebratory gems and honestly, there’s no better time for one. Juneteenth is about freedom, but it’s also about joy, gathering, and honoring the people who are quietly building something meaningful in their own communities. That feels like the perfect frame for today’s feature.

There are people who have been in your orbit for years before you realize just how much you have in common. Stacey is one of those people. We share mutual friends, move in overlapping circles, and it wasn’t until wine came up in conversation one day that everything clicked into place. Ever since, we’ve had a running habit of sliding into each other’s DMs whenever a cool wine opportunity crosses our feeds, and the occasional run-in at events around Boston never hurts either. She is a Brand Builder by profession, a sommelier by passion, and someone who is quietly doing meaningful work to make wine feel like it belongs to all of us. I have been a fan ever since our first IRL conversation, and I am so glad she said yes to being featured on TFLUXÈ.

Storytime.

For Stacey Mukasa, wine was never really about the wine. It was about the table, the gathering, and the way a room shifts when people are truly present with one another. She has always been someone who gravitates toward connection through hosting, storytelling and through the kind of hospitality that makes guests feel like they were expected and wanted. Wine, when she finally found her way into it, simply gave that instinct a new language.

Professionally, Stacey is a Brand Builder. Someone who thinks deeply about how products create emotional resonance with the people who love them. Wine offered a richer layer to that work: terroir, tradition, craftsmanship, and the quiet art of making something that tells the story of a place and the people who tend it. What began as curiosity evolved into serious study, eventually leading her to earn her Level 1 Sommelier certification and take the WSET Level 3 in Wines course!

A moment that changed everything.

There is a particular memory that Stacey returns to when she talks about why wine matters to her. It was her first trip to Napa Valley. She was standing in a vineyard, listening to a winemaker describe how climate, soil, and generations of family tradition shape a single bottle. She realized that reading about wine in books is one thing however standing in the middle of it is something else entirely.

After that trip, she never saw the glass the same way again. Wine became, in her words, an artistic expression of place and people. Every bottle a story of a region, a family, a season, and a set of decisions made by someone who cared deeply about the outcome.

On representation, and showing up anyway.

As a first generation Ugandan American, Stacey has always been conscious of who gets to occupy spaces and who has been quietly discouraged from entering them. Growing up, she didn’t see many people who looked like her in certain rooms and that absence stayed with her.

Today, she honors her heritage by showing up authentically and creating visibility wherever she goes. Whether she’s sharing wine knowledge with friends, hosting tastings, or documenting her experiences and travels, the message underneath it all is simple: this space belongs to you, too. She draws a direct line between the hospitality she grew up experiencing from the African tradition of gathering around food, drink, and conversation to the work that she does now. Wine is her way of continuing that tradition while opening doors into new cultures and new stories.

She also has a project quietly in the works, one that brings her heritage and her passion for wine into direct conversation with each other. More on that soon but knowing Stacey, it will be worth the wait!

What she wants you to know.

If Stacey could pull back the curtain on the wine industry, she’d start with: wine was made to feel intimidating but that was a choice, not a truth. For a long time, wine knowledge was treated as something reserved for people with access, wealth, or specialized training. The reality is simpler and more generous than that. Wine is a product that is meant to be enjoyed. You don’t need to memorize regions or vintages to participate. You just need a glass and a little curiosity (note: something we’ve been hearing a lot about from past featured contributors to TFLUXÈ).

The TFLUXÈ table is set, and Stacey’s vision is something to behold.

Her guest list is carefully chosen: Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Issa Rae, and Trevor Noah. The setting is a vineyard estate in the rolling hills of Tuscany, at golden hour, overlooking rows of vines just before harvest. On the table: Ugandan inspired appetizers, handmade pasta, grilled meats, and a curated wine pairing featuring bottles from Italy, South Africa, and emerging African wine regions. In the background, a playlist that moves from jazz to soul to Afrobeat to amapiano. Warm enough to set the mood, open enough to let the conversation breathe.

The conversation itself would center on leadership, creativity, resilience, and the responsibility that comes with influence. She’d want to know how each guests navigated uncertainty while staying true to themselves and she’d leave the table, she says, with new perspectives, deeper wisdom, and a renewed commitment to building something that lasts.

That tells you everything about how Stacey Mukasa moves through the world. With intention, with curiosity, and always with a seat at the table for whoever is ready to pull up a chair.

Find Stacey on Instagram at @staceymukasa

xoxo,

Ty-Juana L. Flores

Location | Pasadena, CA

There are people who find wine and there are people wine finds. Ariel is the latter. She is a wine enthusiast, equity advocate, and the kind of storyteller who makes you feel like you’ve been missing out on a conversation that was always meant to include you. I met Ariel through the Wine Unify Welcome Initiative in 2025 and knew immediately — as a fellow Latina, she needed a seat at this table. I am so glad she said yes to this feature.

Wine found Ariel long before she had the words for it.

When Ariel was growing up, she watched her grandfather the way most children watch people they love — closely, quietly, and with a lot of questions. He would open a bottle of wine or whiskey and the room would shift. Stories would spill out alongside his pour. Lessons about life, about Mexico, about who he was and where her family came from and as she got older, she stopped watching…and started asking. What is that? What does it taste like? What are you experiencing? Eventually, she got to experience his joy for herself with him through a shared glass that became something sacred.

For years, she channeled her curiosity around wine into a hobby like Friday Night Wine reviews on Instagram, just for the joy of it. But it wasn’t until she became a mother, until something in her shifted and expanded, that the dream changed shape. Three years ago, she was accepted as an ambassador for Latinas Wine Club and the world she thought she knew cracked open into something so much bigger.

She shows up for the people the industry has too often looked past.

Ariel’s work sits at the intersection of two things she is deeply committed to: amplifying equity in the workplace and amplifying equity in wine. Over the years, she learned that over 13,000 wineries exist in the United States and less than 1% are Latino-owned!! And yet, the agricultural workforce that makes so much of this industry possible is made up predominantly of Latinos (that is not a footnote — it is the whole story!).

So she made a choice. To not just share the beautiful, approachable, fun side of wine but to also name what isn’t right and to be intentional. When she walks into a wine shop or sits down at a restaurant, she’s looking for bottles built by people of color, by women, and by Latinas. She lifts those stories and celebrates the winemakers, the writers, the educators, the content creators who are working every single day to make space where space wasn’t always given. As a Mexican American woman, she honors her culture by pairing wine with the food she grew up eating and sharing that on her platforms, unapologetically and with pride.

One afternoon in Pasadena changed something in her.

She was following a Latina winemaker out of Paso Robles and truly fascinated by her methods and her story. When she learned this winemaker was hosting a tasting in her hometown, and that it was being held at Monopole Rx, a women-owned wine shop she had been wanting to visit, she bought her ticket and took herself on a solo date on purpose because she wanted the experience to be entirely her own.

Nancy Ulloa of Ulloa Cellars, who was named in Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40, opened up that afternoon in a way that felt rare to Ariel. No gatekeeping. No performance. Just a woman sharing her story, her methods, and her wine, where each bottle was tied to something personal, and something that could not be replicated. Ariel left feeling held by someone who didn’t even know her name when she walked in yet Nancy said something to her that day that she’ll never forget (she doesn’t remember the exact words but the message was simple and it landed hard): just go for it!!!!

She Ariel did. Without knowing what “it” was, she went for it anyway. And it led her to a WSET Level I certification, to brand partnerships, and to being featured right here on this platform.

When the seasons slow down, she reaches for a Syrah.

She fell in love with it in her early twenties. Bold and full of tannins. There’s something about the way it holds chocolate and smoke in the same breath, a complexity she understood instinctively and still reaches for when the days get quieter and colder.

But when wine isn’t the answer, she turns to canelita which is cinnamon tea, sometimes stirred into coffee. It’s the taste of her childhood. Her parents. The warmth of gathering with the people she loves. Her husband has become the one who makes it now and it’s one of the few things that makes her genuinely look forward to the cold.

A message to everyday consumers.

“You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to know appellations or vintages or tasting notes but you can be intentional”. She wants consumers to choose a bottle from a small producer or wine made by a woman of color.

The curtain has already been pulled back on the inequities in this industry — years of Latina winemakers, businesswomen, writers, and professionals have made sure of that. Their voices got louder. Their presence expanded. What Ariel wants now is for the everyday consumer to meet that effort halfway. Because the path has been built. She’s walking it. And she’s out here making sure others know it exists.

Now the TFLUXÈ dinner table is set and Ariel’s version of it is exactly, perfectly her.

Ariel shared that the guest list makes no conventional sense, and she knows it, but she doesn’t care even a little (and I love that for her!). Joining her would be Britney Spears, Shel Silverstein, her grandfather, and her husband. Four people who represent the full range of who she is — the pop anthems and the childhood poetry, the unconditional love and the hard won wisdom. In the background, Britney is playing. Obviously!

The table is set in her own backyard, in the spring, when she can be outdoors the way she loves most. The menu is a love letter to herself: a perfect Caesar salad to start, followed by those sweet corn tamale appetizers — yes, the Cheesecake Factory ones, because her husband loves them and this is her dream dinner. Then a proper steak with mashed potatoes, balsamic glazed carrots and asparagus, a second entrée of cordon bleu because why not, and crème brûlée to close. Wine is woven through every course — a zesty Grüner Veltliner or Pinot Grigio to open, a warm-climate Chardonnay to carry through, a Syrah with dinner, and a Moscato at the end.

It is a dinner that tastes like who she is. Shared with the people who made her that way.

Ariel’s story is unique, fun, and very much her own. As a fellow Latina, I was so happy to share her journey through wine. Give her follow on Instagram at winearoundtherose

xoxo,

Ty-Juana L. Flores

Location | Boston, MA

There are people you meet in this industry who just get it — who understand that what happens behind a bar is so much more than mixing drinks. Courtney is one of those people, and the moment I came across her work via Instagram, I knew she needed to be featured on TFLUXÈ. She is a Boston bartender, creative, and the founder of Good Neighbor. What she’s building is deeply personal and unapologetically her own, and I am so honored she took the time to share her story with me.

Hospitality has always lived somewhere deep in Courtney’s bones.

Her family once had roots in the restaurant industry, and even long after they stepped away from it, she felt the quiet yet persistent pull. She describes herself as someone who has always been creative with her hands, and when she eventually found her way into the world of beverage, everything clicked into place. Bartending, she discovered, was the perfect intersection of art, romance, and the kind of conversation that lingers long after the glass is empty.

Her journey, however, didn’t begin behind a bar. Her very first hospitality job was working front of house for the legendary Joanne Chang at Flour Bakery & Cafe. She loved it, but quickly realized the AM life wasn’t exactly her calling. A brief chapter in freelance graphic design followed before she landed a role as an ambassador with the CitizenM hotel group and it was there, almost unexpectedly, that she learned to bartend. She fell in love with it immediately and never looked back.

Today, Courtney channels that love into Good Neighbor, a Cantonese inspired cocktail pop-up rooted in her passion for bringing people together. Mischief and romance, she’ll tell you, are always stirred into everything she makes.

A walk down memory lane.

Some of her most cherished memories are of standing beside her mother and grandmother, listening to their stories while the familiar flavors of her Chinese heritage filled the room. Growing up in Boston in a Cantonese household, those flavor profiles became a language that she carried with her everywhere. She pours from those memories. She always has.

That deep connection to her roots is precisely what makes Good Neighbor so singular. Courtney honors her culture not with nostalgia alone, but with intention. She puts ingredients on the menu that she has never seen on a cocktail menu before, ingredients that are woven into the fabric of her upbringing, and in doing so, she creates space for others to feel seen, too.

One moment, in particular, has stayed with her since her earliest pop-up days. She crafted a drink named after a Teresa Teng love song, incorporating nin jiom herbal syrup — also known as Pei Pa Koa, a traditional Chinese honey and loquat syrup that has lived in the medicine cabinets and kitchen shelves of Asian households for generations. She put it on the menu because she had never seen it in a cocktail before, and because both the song and the syrup were deeply nostalgic to her heart. On the day of the pop-up, something beautiful happened: Asian women came to the bar, one after another, specifically to order that drink. It became a shared moment of pure joy and recognition, proof that a single ingredient, chosen with love and memory, can reach right into someone’s chest and remind them of home.

That, to Courtney, is what hospitality is really about.

Speaking of hospitality…she has something to say about it.

There is an enormous amount of hard work and invisible consideration that goes into ensuring every guest has the best possible experience. The people behind the bar show up every day for one another and for their guests, consistently putting others before themselves. What’s happening behind the scenes on any given shift is something the guest may never know and that’s exactly why she asks for one simple thing in return: kindness. Come in with an open heart. Come in with curiosity.

She always tries to do the same.

When the season turns and the air gets crisp, Courtney reaches for a whisky highball.

Right now, her pour of choice is Nikka Days — chilled. She loves when bars take the extra step of freezing their Nikka Days before pouring it with soda water, creating that perfect carbonation and chill. It’s effortless. It’s precise. It’s exactly her.

And in her kitchen? Two things are always within reach: white pepper and MSG — classic Chinese cooking staples that she keeps close and champions proudly. She’s all for debunking the myths around MSG and making it the celebrated, beloved ingredient it has always deserved to be.

The TFLUXÈ dinner table is set and Courtney’s vision for it is everything.

The guest list is intimate and sacred: her sisters, her mother, and herself. Four women. The people who matter most. The setting? Guangzhou, China which is her mother’s hometown, a place that holds the deepest roots of who she is and where she comes from. The occasion? An afternoon affair filled with tea, gossip, and mahjong, unhurried and full of laughter.

On the table: dim sum, served by all of her favorite Hong Kong, Chinese, and Korean actors, the ones she and her family had enormous crushes on growing up. And filling the room, softly but joyfully, would be the Canto pop and Mando pop she grew up loving. No grand occasion. No dress code. Just the women who shaped her, the city that made her mother, the food that tastes like memory, and the music that sounds like home.

That’s the table Courtney would set. And honestly — we’d all be lucky to pull up a chair.

Find Courtney at @goodneighborboston and @_courtneymoy

xoxo,

Ty-Juana L. Flores

As you know behind every great bottle is an even better story which is why this Women’s History Month, we will raise a glass to the women telling them!

I’m excited to invite you to The Tasting Room, a casual, exploratory evening featuring incredible wines crafted by women winemakers from around the world. In partnership with Neighborhood Wines, we’ll spend this Friday evening tasting and discovering bottles that deserve a spot on your table. No wine expertise required, just bring your curiosity and have a willingness to sip something new.

Think: good wine, good people, and a relaxed atmosphere. Details are below:

• Date: Friday, March 13

• Time: 5:30 to 7:30pm

  • Note: there is no formal program. This is a casual hang so feel free to pop in anytime within the scheduled 2 hours

• Cost: Free, however, this is a small locally-owned business, so I hope you taste a wine you love and purchase a bottle (or two)!

• Location: Neighborhood Wines, 619 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118

I’d love to see you there.

xoxo,

Ty-Juana L. Flores

P.S. Find Neighborhood Wines and TFLUXÈ on Instagram!

Location | Sonoma County, CA

There’s a particular kind of courage required to slide into someone’s DMs and ask them to change your life. But that’s exactly what Courtney did when she found herself at a crossroads, having just failed her first wine certification and questioning whether she belonged in an indus…

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I used to think hosting was all about aesthetics.

The right wine. A clean condo.

Scented linen candles.

Music low enough for conversation but loud enough to soften the silence. But what I know now is that hosting is really about paying attention: who arrives early and needs grounding, who arrives late and needs grace, and who takes up space easily without any prompts.

Recently, I hosted four friends (shout out to Sadiyah, Charlene, Fena, and Cha Cha) for an end-of-year reflection where we looked back on 2025 through the form of presentations (PowerPoint, Canva, and a little improvisation). What stood out the most wasn’t the format but the honesty that emerged especially during each person’s Q&A time, when the room slowed down, and how people felt safe enough to go deeper. Moments like that remind me that hosting isn’t about control; it’s about reading the room and responding with care. And that, I’ve learned, is one of the most honest forms of leadership.

When I host, whether it’s a dinner, outdoor hang on my deck with no overhead coverage (the summers are brutal), a small wine tasting, or even a meeting, I’m not trying to impress anyone. I’m trying to hold the room, which means making decisions in advance so others don’t have to and leaning on my community of support when needed most. It means setting a tone that says: you’re safe here, you’re seen here, you don’t need to perform.

However, somewhere along the way (inside institutions, panels, and overly scripted spaces) I’ve noticed that people started confusing leadership with visibility. We reward the person with the mic, the agenda, and the closing remarks but hosting asks something different. Hosting asks you to notice what’s not being said. To prepare without rigidity. To guide without dominating.

A good host doesn’t rush the moment. They let conversations breathe. They know when to refill a glass and when to leave it alone. I’ve learned so much about leadership from hosting because it teaches restraint and accountability which may be why hosting is undervalued. When it’s done well, it doesn’t draw attention to itself. You don’t leave saying, wow, what a great host. You leave saying, that felt good, without always knowing why.

This year, I’m excited to lean into my hosting leadership era because I want everyday consumers/people (especially millenniums like myself) to spend less time on screens and more time gathered together, engaging in real, shared experiences one conversation, one bite, and one sip at a time.

xoxo,

Ty-Juana

Location | Chicago, IL

For nearly a decade, Chasity Cooper—author, writer, and wine culture expert—has been reshaping the narrative around who belongs in the world of wine. Her work bridges storytelling, culture, and community, offering refreshing clarity in an industry that often feels opaque from the outside. From Madrid vineyard…

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Location | Washington, D.C.

I first connected with Sarita on Instagram during those unforgettable COVID years, when she graciously featured TFLUXÈ (back when it was just finding its footing) on The Swirl Suite podcast. Our conversation was full of laughter and warmth and not long after, I discovered she was a fellow Libra like myself (which explains a lo…

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Location | Massachusetts

Once again, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with an incredible woman who brings passion, creativity, and heart to everything she does. Sitting down with Mitchara aka Cha Cha for this episode of The Tasting Room was truly an honor. Her journey is one of unexpected beginnings, cultural pride, and intentional craft— I hope you…

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From my experience, bodegas and local liquor stores in both Boston and New York have served as more than just retail spots — they are “where you talk ish,” seek relationship advice from the person behind the counter, the place where dancing to Latin music through the aisles is encouraged, the beacon for affordable sandwiches, and where you go to get the infamous whole pickle in a jar (if you know you know!). These shops hold historical weight as essential gathering points and access hubs for everyday goods way before major retailers like Target decided to emerge but when it comes to their beverage offerings, particularly wine, there’s a noticeable gap that’s hard to ignore.

Walk into any bodega, corner store, or neighborhood liquor shop (note: I use these terms interchangeably) and you’ll likely find aisles stocked with familiar spirits — Hennessy, Cîroc, Crown Royal, and a selection of affordable rums, vodkas, and ready-to-drink cocktails. These items fly off the shelves, a reflection of demand and longstanding brand recognition.

But take a look at the wine shelf — if you can find it. Tucked away, sometimes collecting dust, you’ll spot a few standard bottles: a sweet Moscato, maybe a vaguely labeled “red blend” or an oversized jug of something resembling Chardonnay. These wines are offered at budget-friendly price points, yes — but they rarely spark curiosity or invite exploration.

The Missed Opportunity

The minimal attention to wine isn’t just a supply issue — it’s a missed opportunity to tap into a growing cultural and consumer shift. Wine is no longer confined to affluent, white, or rural narratives. Across the country, Black and Latino winemakers are telling their stories through the vine. First-generation sommeliers, multicultural wine collectives, and urban tasting clubs are gaining ground, helping people reclaim space in a historically exclusive industry.

But in many neighborhoods, the entry point is inaccessible. If a customer’s local store only stocks a small handful of wines, they may never get the chance to expand their palate, let alone develop a wine practice rooted in joy and discovery.

It’s About More Than Inventory

Store owners don’t need a sommelier certification to elevate their wine selection. Partnering with distributors that carry and promote BIPOC-owned brands, offering tasting notes, and simply positioning wine where customers can see and consider it — these are small steps that open big doors. Community wine tastings, in-store signage, and social media shoutouts can spark conversation and connection. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about offering a richer experience (Shameless plug: TFLUXÈ can help in this area…hint hint!). That begins with intention: intentionally sourcing diverse wines, intentionally sharing stories behind the bottles, and intentionally making wine approachable, not intimidating.

The Call for Representation

Brands like Inkwell, iBest, Kumusha, and Maison Noir Wines are breaking barriers and building community. When these bottles are present in local shops, they don’t just sit on a shelf — they affirm culture, creativity, and choice. Plus they SELL OUT SO FAST!

And if I’m being honest, I love to touch bottles, read labels, and judge a bottle by it’s label design in person. So while there are accessible ways to access wine through courier services, as a non-driver I’d much rather not have to leave Roxbury or Dorchester just to find a good bottle of wine under $25—especially when I’m on a budget in today’s economy.

The Bottle Line

This post is not to throw shade to these community gems. As a consumer, I will always shop in these stores especially when I need platańo or any other item that feels like “home.” However, this is merely my way of highlighting how bodegas and neighborhood liquor stores are uniquely positioned to be more than just beer or spirit suppliers — they can be cultural storytellers, tastemakers, and gatekeepers of access within the wine world. By embracing these intentional shifts, these stores can help foster a deeper appreciation for the beverage — one poured glass at a time.

Thanks,

Ty-Juana

Location | Boston, MA

When I met Ashley through our mutual friend, I was immediately like “heck yeah! This girl is my kind of people.” Not only does Ashley know her stuff when it comes to cooking and dining in and around Boston but she is one of the most sweetest individuals that I’ve met in my adult life: always smiling, laughi…

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Location | California.

Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin with Suhayl — we crossed paths at exactly the right time, and the rest is history. Back in 2020, Suhayl played a major role in the launch of TFLUXÈ, and I’ve been in awe ever since. Let’s be real: a Libra and a Taurus? That’s a cosmic collision of creativity, ener…

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It’s Sunday with just one day left in March, and I’m sitting in my living room, doing what most people do: planning for the week ahead. But today feels a little different. Lately, my Sundays have transformed into a blend of pilates, a 3 mile outdoor walks to clear my mind, and a sense of curiosity - which stems from taking a look at my professional goals and continuing to explore my passions linked to the beverage industry. And today, that curiosity has led me to share something exciting that I’ve been diving into...

Beverage Industry Certification!

I’ve recently started studying for my WSET certification in wine (Level 1) and spirits (Level 1), and I’m genuinely excited about diving deeper into the educational components behind tasty wines and well crafted cocktails. As many know, 2020 was the year where I really started to become passionate about the beverage industry and now it feels right to take this step that will allow me to refine my knowledge and really understand the craft behind it.

That said, when I say I’m "studying," I’m currently learning through a combination of online platforms, taking practice quizzes, and connecting with friends who work in field. These informal methods have been a great way to dip my toes into the industry and start to get a sense of what the certification process is all about but I’m still in the early stages and figuring out if obtaining certifications will be a valuable asset in the long term. Whew! But I can’t make up my mind and it’s time to make a decision.

I do know that one of the key advantages of the various certifications out there is that many are globally recognized, which in turn opens doors for opportunities anywhere in the world. Whether I’m traveling or eventually living abroad when my daughter leaves the nest (wink wink!), having as much knowledge and credentials could lead to some exciting opportunities, such as curating wine and cocktail menus for domestic and global events. While I’m still exploring my path, I’m now reaching out to my readers and network to ask:

1. Do you have any advice for me?

2. If applicable, what has been the most valuable resource or experience that helped you make the leap into the beverage industry?

xoxo,

Ty-Juana

Location | Lisbon, Portugal

If you don’t know Margo then I’m not quite sure where you’ve been over the last 4 to 6 years. She is another Caribbean sistah that took her dreams and ran with it — and not just ran with it professionally but took a chance on herself and moved to Portugal! She is (without a doubt) a bi-coastal treasure that takes her writing, …

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Location| Boston, MA

I can’t quite remember the exact moment that I met Tersillia, but what stuck with me was her warm smile and her genuine passion for her craft—cocktails, shaken and stirred to perfection! Once I found out that she was from the Caribbean, it all made sense—her energy is truly a vibe!! I recently had the opportunity to connect with her …

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Much like the 1970s jingle featuring Sammy Davis Jr., ads highlighted the growing popularity of Manischewitz among Caribbean and African American communities in the mid-20th century and dubbed it as “everybody’s wine.” While this wine was traditionally tied to Jewish celebrations and rituals, the sweet, kosher grape wine came to represent something much broader. It became a symbol of joy, unity, and the rich blending of cultural traditions—something I believe MLK would wholeheartedly support.

A Nosy Child

As a kid, I distinctly remember when my parents would host small gatherings in our tiny apartment in Boston. Before I was sent to my room for the evening freshly bathed and in my PJ’s, I noticed how my mother would bring out a variety of different Panamanian dishes and “adult drinks” while my father carefully selected albums from artist like Earth Wind and Fire, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Bob Marley to play on his “don’t touch that!” record player. I was always curious when these gatherings took place because although I was sent to my room for the evening, I could tell that everyone was having a good time due to the loud and joyful conversations that I could hear through the walls. I later learned that one of the major drinks that stood out at the gathering was a bottle of Manischewitz, which my dad called “a taste of the Caribbean.”

Let’s Talk About It

Now I am no expert on Manischewitz but from what I know, it was originally crafted to serve Jewish dietary laws, particularly during Passover. However, its sweetness and affordability made it a crowd-pleaser far beyond its original audience. By the 1940s and 1950s, its appeal had expanded to new markets, specifically within African American and Caribbean communities that migrated to urban areas in the United States like New York.

This wasn’t just about taste—Manischewitz advertisements began to reflect this diverse consumer base. While this was a step in the right direction, I can't help but wonder: who truly benefited from these ads—the company or the consumers? In bold print and vibrant imagery filled with melanin, the brand seemed to embrace a broader narrative of celebration and cultural inclusion, positioning itself as a staple for holiday meals, family reunions, and Sunday dinners within the Black community.

In Caribbean households, the wine found its way into traditional recipes, like Jamaican black cake—a dense, spiced fruitcake soaked in a mixture of rum and sweet wines, often including Manischewitz. This cake, a centerpiece of Christmas and other celebrations, relies on the wine to deepen its flavor and add a signature sweetness. This cake is DENSE and soaks for days (IYKYK!!) Beyond the kitchen, Manischewitz was also incorporated into festive drinks like sorrel punch, becoming an integral part of Caribbean-style hospitality.

Today, Manischewitz continues to hold a special place in the hearts and kitchens of those who grew up with it. Personally, I am not a fan of it’s thick texture but I respect it because its legacy speaks to the beauty of shared traditions and the power of food and drink to bring people together. While the future is uncertain on this very cold morning in Boston, my hope for 2025 and beyond is that we all experience more intimate, social gatherings. This time, I won’t be the one sent to my room—I'll be sending my daughter instead!

xoxo,

Ty-Juana

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So think of the following as a few “things to know” while on your wine journey:

Breaking down the “wine snob” stereotype

One of the biggest hurdles that many people face when approaching wine is the perception that it’s something reserved for the elite. Words like “terroir,” “tannin,” and “vintage” can sound like a secret language, and let’s not even get started on how intimidating some wine tasting events can be.

The reality, though, is that wine is all about personal preference and enjoyment. Yes, there are technical terms and advanced concepts, but you don’t need to know them to appreciate a glass of wine. Everyone should explore wine at their own pace and not be made to feel inferior if you don’t know the difference between “old world” versus “new world” wines (I’m still confused myself lol).

Class is in session: education and exploration

As someone who works in higher education and values knowledge sharing, I can confirm that wine can be a deeply educational experience if you’re up for it. The variety of grapes, the differences in climate, the intricacies of the winemaking process—it’s all part of what makes wine such a fascinating subject to explore. But you don’t have to be an expert to start enjoying this world of discovery.

Embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging

Traditionally, the wine industry has been largely dominated by European influences, and it wasn’t until truth be told the pandemic, did I start to see/become exposed to diverse voices making significant strides within the industry. Whether it's women winemakers or producers of color there’s an exciting wave of diversity reshaping the world of wine today.

Wine is often seen as a communal experience, one that’s best enjoyed with others. Whether you're sharing a bottle over dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply winding down after a long day, wine has the unique ability to bring people together. But for too long, the wine industry has felt exclusive to certain groups.

Wine is for everyone

Ultimately, I want people to walk away with the understanding that wine is for everyone. As we all navigate the holiday season, please know that you don’t have to be wealthy, a wine connoisseur, a travel influencer, or even have an advanced knowledge of wine to enjoy it. The key is to approach wine with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity. It’s all about finding what you enjoy, and sharing that experience with others.

xoxo,

Ty-Juana

Did you enjoy reading this post by Ty-Juana? If so, there are two way to support her work: (1) sign up for the tfluxè table newsletter below and (2) send her a small donation via Cashapp so she can continue to fuel her writing over a matcha or vanilla latte!

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• The Curse of Connoisseurship (March 2021): participated in The Curse of Connoisseurship, a series of discussions about the Boston beverage landscape, with Boston University’s Gastronomy students Amy Johnson, Altamash Gaziyani, and virtual attendees

• #wedeservecampaign: we received 81 signatures for our #wedeserve campaign and made a mark in an industry that rarely factors in the consumers perspective and voice.

• Hannaford Magazine (December 2020): we served as a guide to pour with confidence! Suhayl Ramirez gave a few pouring tips to shoppers on page 6 in the December 2020 issue of Hannaford Markets Fresh magazine. Shopping for holiday wine became easier for many!

• The Swirl Suite (September 2020): we were virtual guests on The Swirl Suite’s podcast where we discussed a variety of topics within the beverage industry. The show is live on all streaming platforms.

• Chronicle on WCVB TV (August 2020): thanks to Urban Grape Ty-Juana and Charlene had 5 seconds of fam and was featured on an episode of the Chronicle

• The Urban Grape (July 2020): we talked about all things wine during The Urban Grape’s Clink Progressively happy hour. We spoke from the perspective and experiences of the Black consumer and had a blast with TJ, Lydia, and over 30 guests.

Looking back at our accomplishments, I still smile thinking about the community that we built and the energy that fueled our taste palettes. We took a pause in 2022 and decided to pour into our post pandemic lives adjusting to the changes and opportunities that surrounded us: Charlene launched her own consulting company and Suhayl is doing amazing work in California’s wine world.

this history is important because it plays a critical role in my solo steps moving forward. so what’s next?

In addition to my career in higher education and raising my beautiful daughter, I am excited to continue the expansion and design of TFLUXÈ through intimate curated events and storytelling through this platform while also being a subject matter wine expert in a new way! I will share more in the future but in the meantime visit the ‘About’ page and subscribe to my newsletter for ongoing updates.

I truly just wanted to say thank you to Charlene and Suhayl. This dream became a reality thanks to our sisterhood and I am forever grateful.

xoxo,

Ty-Juana

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