COVID-19 has impacted many aspects of my life. However, it has most impacted my business and personal goals. I think we can all agree that this pandemic and the lockdown has made us all pay closer attention to what is most important to us. I entered 2020 with a goal to “level up” my business; to increase its brand and marketing to consumers and wineries. My event February Wine Crush Wednesday was a success! With over 20 people in attendance, I made the decision to open my own space.

My first-time facing unemployment left me feeling inadequate, embarrassed, and confused. I did everything right. I was a good student, earned three degrees, and worked at several highly respected organizations. I could not understand how I (using my British accent), Dr. Johnette Ruffner-Ceaser, could be experiencing this type of rejection.

I took a deep breath and I blinked! And with every blink, days or weeks would pass. COVID forced me to look my values in the face and claim my loyalty to my faith. From one moment to the next everything had been turned on its head or challenged. What was a foundational stake in the ground for me was the reminder that not everything that happened in 2020 was negative. I felt like I was on an emotional seesaw, using my values to hold me in place.

When it comes to COVID-19, honestly, I am torn. While I proclaim the blessing of good health, equally, I protest the restriction from family gatherings. Let me be absolutely clear—I am committed to refrain from out-of-town visits, local group gatherings, and frequent outings as these activities only exacerbate the impact of this deadly virus. However, when I think of how we could have avoided this massive health pandemic, it makes me angry!

2020 has been a year that taught me what I could live without, but more importantly, what I need to thrive. Over the years, my values have centered around spirituality, family, and community. While this year was no different, I felt a shift internally.

It’s been said that when you’re distracted from work, it takes, on average, about 25 minutes to refocus and get back to the task at hand. Well…

Just before shelter-in-place orders went into place in the Bay Area in March of 2020, BlackFemaleProject came together—for the fifth year in a row—with our dear partners in the work, Black Teacher Project. We are grateful to grow and learn alongside another Black woman-founded and led organization.