"Most of them told me they had left corporate jobs to start a winery, and that's what stuck with me," Jamila said. "I started thinking, 'Okay, if I were to do that, I'm way too lazy to start a winery. That's not my passion. But what could I do to actually drive real impact?”

In a sit down with Trae Holiday, Jamila Conley discussed her journey from being corporate to the wine industry, Conley spent 25 years climbing the corporate ladder, but something was missing. As a self-proclaimed wine lover since her early 20s, Jamila felt a calling to do more than just enjoy a good vintage - she wanted to be a part of shaping the industry itself.

Jamila found herself inspired by a celebration of Black women winemakers, an event that would ultimately lead her to launch WeRise Wines, a mission-driven wine bar opening soon in downtown Seattle, "I wanted to create a welcoming space that highlights the stories of underrepresented winemakers, driving awareness and supporting generational wealth in the industry," she explained. By centering diversity, inclusion, and community, Jamila hopes to transform the perception of wine as an elitist, old-money industry.

Jamila's journey from the corporate world to the world of wine is a testament to the power of following your heart and challenging the status quo. With WeRise Wines, she's pouring new possibilities and inspiring others to uncork their own dreams.

For more information on WeRise Wines go to www.werisewines.com.