Meet Chala Boya | Sommelier and Wine Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chala Boya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chala, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up on a farm in Woodville, North Carolina. Eastern North Carolina is huge in agriculture and my very large family was no different. Between my Grandmother (Mary F James) who was a contractor for farm labor and my Grandfather who raised hogs they had 19 children and hard work was something that was everyday life. Coming from a very large family has helped me learn to deal with all sorts of personalities and also helps me to be able to speak to anyone.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My aim is for my wine shop to be an extension of your living room (PANTS ARE REQUIRED, lol). I want people to feel right at home when they walk through my doors. I want to learn about every customer and what their likes/dislikes are. That is what helps me sell them wine they love as well as giving them a place to relax comfortably.

I’ve been in the wine industry since 2007. Getting into the business was as easy as taking a second job. Staying in the business however hasn’t been as easy. There are very few positions for women and women of color, even less. I had to create a space of my own.

I’d love to world to know that the furture of wine is BLACK & FEMALE!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday- Hike at Umstead park and picnic

Tuesday- Mani, Pedi, Massage

Wednesday- Wine Wednesday and Karaoke at Uncorked Raleigh

Thursday- Volunteer at Urban Ministries Raleigh

Friday- Wine tasting at Uncorked Raleigh

Saturday- Dinner at Cortez Live music at C Grace

Sunday- Church, and Brunch at Dames Chicken & Waffles

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family! I had very young parents and there were a lot of people that had a hand in who I’ve become. Most of those people I have the pleasure of calling my family. If I had to choose one person it would be my Grandmother. She is a beautiful black woman who was a wife, mother of 19, business owner, mother of her church, and pillar of her community… she also totes a shotgun. lol

Website: https://uncorkedraleigh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkedraleigh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chala-bryant-4b52b0ab/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkedretailwineandtastingshop

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/uncorked-raleigh-3?osq=uncorked