Howard Russell, known across Seattle as the unforgettable Ladie Chablis, has never been one to move quietly. As a performer, host, and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, he’s spent decades making space for others—on stage, in the streets, and now, through something that’s entirely his own: La Cha‑Bliss Wine.

DeAunte Damper took a self-care day at Red Barn Ranch in Auburn, and what he found was far deeper than a break. He spent the day riding and learning with the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, a modern-day embodiment of the historic African-American cavalry.