We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shakia Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Shakia, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I had to laugh the other day when someone tried our glitter wine and said, ‘This is too pretty to drink… okay, never mind!’ It’s those small, joyful reactions that make all the hard work worth it
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Shakia Williams, owner and winemaker of Cyrenity Sips Winery, a small-batch urban winery located in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. Cyrenity Sips is proud to be the first Black woman-owned winery in the area, and what makes us truly special is the personal touch behind every bottle — each wine is named after a friend or family member who has inspired me in some way.
Our mission is to make wine accessible, fun, and meaningful for everyone — whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or brand new to wine. Beyond the bottles, we focus on building community through events, partnerships, and giving back.
Right now, we’re expanding our impact through Aurora’s Vines Wines- founded by Keyanna Wilson and KiRae Wines-founded by Kevin Lewis, new brands under the Cyrenity Sips umbrella that highlight diversity and creativity in the wine industry. Every glass we pour is an invitation to celebrate connection, culture, and joy.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people are things like dishonesty, lack of respect, and intentional misunderstanding — when trust is replaced by ego or avoidance, connection begins to fade.
What restores those bonds is not just an apology, but changed behavior, empathy, and mutual respect. When people choose to listen, take accountability, and act with care, truly, healing becomes possible and relationships can grow even stronger than before.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: keep being inquisitive and asking the right questions, trust yourself enough to advocate for what you need, and don’t let procrastination hold you back. Every question you ask and every step you take to stand up for yourself will shape the life you’re meant to create.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Differentiating fads from real foundational shifts comes down to longevity, adoption, and cultural relevance. Fads often spike quickly and fade just as fast — for example, when I was younger, the craze was mixing rum with energy drinks. It was exciting for a moment but didn’t change drinking culture in a meaningful way.
A foundational shift, on the other hand, is driven by lasting changes in behavior, values, or lifestyle. Today, we’re seeing a significant uptick in non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails among young adults. This isn’t just a passing trend; it reflects broader shifts in wellness, social habits, and inclusivity in drinking culture. When an idea reshapes habits and has staying power across demographics, that’s when you know it’s a real shift rather than a temporary fad.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely — there have definitely been days where I feel like I’m tap dancing to work! One of those moments is seeing the growth of Aurora’s Vines and KiRae Wines in such a short time. Watching these two brands take off so quickly makes me feel like I’m truly on track with my goals to expand and introduce even more unique wine brands over the next few years. Those moments of progress and momentum are incredibly energizing and remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cyrenitysips.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealcyrenitysipswinery/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakia-williams-15461312/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cyrenitysipswinery/
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