WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

Millions of Americans are extremely excited about the possibility of our first woman president. I’m equally excited for all women on the rise in leadership positions – whether it’s political, religious or in corporate America. More importantly, we must support our powerful women in our local cities and states. 

We must especially support the ones with their boots on the ground and grinding daily, doing the little things to make our communities better, stronger and safer. Meet Tangela Carson, the president of Exquisite Ladies and Wine Divas of Winston-Salem. 

Tell us about Exquisite Ladies.

An organization of women that uplift and strengthen women and girls throughout the community. Exquisite Ladies is a local nonprofit here in the city of Winston Salem. We were established on May 19, 2009, when a group of ladies with strong sisterhood and professional backgrounds came together with a vision to uplift women, children and the wider community with public service and professional development projects. Exquisite Ladies also share a desire to give back to our communities while having fun and doing what we love to do. It’s our passion with God first!

We don’t mind getting our hands and nails dirty or sweating a little bit along the way. Exquisite Ladies has a motto that we stay focused while we focus on all we do:  “Team work always makes the dream work.” That’s just a little something we always keep in mind. With a great team of beautiful women, anything we put our minds to we can accomplish.

Exquisite Ladies work diligently throughout the year doing various events, volunteering, donating time and items. Exquisite Ladies has adopted Petree Elementary School and A Street, which is Old Hollow Road. We volunteered in litter sweeps, Rock The Block, the voting polls, Habitat, different fundraisers, and so much more.

Hosting a wine tasting is an amazing idea. Tell us about it and how other women can get involved. 

Hosting a wine tasting is something we’re planning as we speak. This is an event at which people taste and compare various types of wine and judge the quality of wine by tasting and smell to get a hint of what it tastes like. We taste for: sweetness or dry; heat, the amount of alcohol content; lingering taste; and if the wine changes flavor or remains the same after drinking. Journaling to keep notes of the experiences and favorite bottles help identify them. These are just a few things Wine Divas have plans for our wine tasting event.

Why is an organization such as this important for women?

Wine Divas provide space for women with the same interests to get out and let their hair down while enjoying the same interests at heart. And also networking over a glass of wine or two. Wine Divas of Winston Salem has a few amazing things coming up, such as movie nights, a scholarship fund, getting 501(c)(3), and adopting a street. 

What are some of the community and family events that Wine Divas support?

Wine Divas support Exquisite Ladies, LLC with their annual Easter Egg Hunt, Back-2-School Giveaway, Trunk-&-Treat, adopt families for Thanksgiving and Christmas, 100 Christmas Stockings Giveaway and also blankets, hats, gloves and socks for the Bethesda Center less fortunate. In our near future, we plan to continue building because there’s  always space for growth. Our vision is to be able to open up an Exquisite Ladies Learning Center and will continue going in all the right directions to reach our visions and goals. Hard work will definitely pay off. Exquisite Ladies will stay positive and keep the faith.

Share an obstacle that you’ve overcome as a child and adult that made you into the woman you are today.

I was raised by a single parent with three other siblings, not having everything we wanted and sometimes we never had what we needed. I’ve seen the many sacrifices single parents made raising kids and it’s made me into the woman I am today. I don’t want to see any kid without, like no kid left behind. I know and have seen the struggle.

Are your organizations excited about the possibility of having the first woman president of the United of America?

Yes! We are beyond proud of Vice President Kamala Harris possibly being the first woman president. We’re definitely rooting for her, and ready for August 20 to wear our chucks and pearls.

Your Back-2-School Giveaway is coming up soon. What will the Exquisite Ladies provide for students and what schools do you support? 

This year we decided to take items to Cook, Kimberley Park and Petree. I have a few friends and family that are teachers who requested some special things to drop off at their schools. Items we plan to drop off are backpacks, paper, subject notebooks, pencils, pencil sharpeners, and other needed supplies.

What should we expect at the Community Labor Day Block Party? 

The Community Block Party Sunday is Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.  There will be a live band, The Project 919  Band, various vendors and a good time … drama free! Each year during Labor Day weekend, nearly 300 people come out, and it’s getting bigger each year. Everyone brings their lawn chairs, dances in the streets, walks around and shops with the vendors. We’ll have a DJ. The Project 919 Band, a Go-Go band, has been the headliner for the past few years. We have a blast! This is something I always wanted to do, and it came together, and is now a grown and sexy successful event. I love it!

Tell us about Saturday Service on the Lawn and is it open to the community?

Once a year I rent the City Stage, call up a few familiar pastors to come out to pray over our city and worship. We pray, sing, read the Old/New Testament, mime dancing, and more. The community, city, family and friends come out and support. I feed and serve drinks to everyone afterwards. It’s another great way to network and socialize, while breaking bread at a great event.

Why are you so passionate about giving back to your community? 

I had a niece by the name of Quashawn Stokes, and she had everything she wanted and needed and more when she passed away in 2005. I gave a lot of her belongings away, and that took a toll on me. I was extremely depressed. When I got myself together, I decided I wanted to start giving back to the community and put smiles on the kids’ faces. It’s truly a blessing to be a blessing to others, especially kids.

I’m sure there are days when you feel overwhelmed. Do you have a favorite scripture or quote that gets you through? 

Yes! Because I get overwhelmed, because I like to make sure things are done right, I always try to do everything myself and end up mentally and physically exhausted. But I know God won’t put no more on you than you can bear. If you want more information on how you can join or volunteer, call Tangela Carson at 571-541-6314 or send an email to tangelac0@gmail.com.

My Phenomenal Person of the Week is Tangela Carson and Organizations of the Week are Exquisite Ladies and Wine Divas of Winston-Salem.