Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerrard Roberts.
Hi Gerrard, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
During the pandemic, I was searching for an outlet to showcase my creativity and express myself. I stumbled upon blogging on social media and created the Instagram page @gerrardsblog. I was surprised to find an abundance of creative minds on the same path as me in the food and wine space. I’ve always been a foodie but I was relatively new to the wine community. I connected with others in an effort to learn more about wine and expand my palate. I quickly began to receive a plethora of recommendations of new wines to try and learned that brands were increasing their attention and investment in social media advertising through micro-influencers. In response to this growth and demand, I founded Zenco Solutions, a marketing firm that helps individuals and organizations develop successful strategies to increase brand awareness and brand presence.
My first significant partnership was with The Pink Society, a community-based organization of wine enthusiasts and wine industry professionals. I partnered with this group for about two years and together hosted wine parties and promoted many wine brands that specialized in producing rosé. As social distancing mandates began to change this year, I was searching for an opportunity to get out in the community and learn more about what was going on in my backyard. As I began traveling again, I discovered so many nooks and crannies in the South that captured my attention. During this journey of discovering local delights, I challenged myself to translate the pictures and moments that I was capturing on social media into documented accounts as a freelance writer. Shortly, after embarking on this process, I was approached by Uncorked and Cultured to be a contributing writer for their media company. The Uncorked and Cultured brand fit my writing aesthetic because it focuses on detailing the influence of BIPOC in the wine, wellness, culture, and travel industry.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
While I’ve received copious amount of support during this journey, I have also encountered criticism along the way. As I carved out a lane for myself in the wine community, I have been transparent about the fact that I have not received any formalized education in wine. One of my reasons for taking up space in this industry is to dismantle the elitism that can intimidate underrepresented voices from exploring and learning about wine. I will admit that I may not pronounce every wine label correctly and I may not know what region every wine variety grows in. However, I believe that knowing those details are optional and if you elect to dive deeper into those details that is your choice. Likewise, if you don’t want to drill to detail on those specifications and you just want to drink good wine and share that with others, that’s an alright choice too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In the work that I produce, I’m known for tapping into authenticity and highlighting subtleties that are difficult to describe but add value once understood. My approach to work is energy based, I gravitate towards unique experiences that draw my attention. I value quality of work and elect to spend larger portions of my time on projects to ensure the intended outcomes are translated in their truest form. I’ve always lived by the phrase “slow and steady wins the race”.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Prior to the pandemic, I read When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi and the book effortlessly highlights how precious life can be. I often reflect on the emotional experience that I went through reading this account of life, it guides me to be adventurous, take risks, and appreciate all that I have been given and all that I will receive in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zencosolutions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerrardsblog/
- Other: https://uncorkedandcultured.com
Image Credits
Gerrard Roberts
