Zohna
“Being a woman of color, makes me realize that not only do I have to meet those markers, I have to prove it on an even greater scale. To me, being a woman means overcoming the current societal challenges, disrupting the system, and fighting for equality.”
Zohna is loyal, confident, and especially driven when it comes to her career path and hobbies. As a wine and cocktail enthusiast, she shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of wine brands and cocktail creations on her Instagram page. This outlet has allowed her to adapt her interests to the pandemic’s new virtual reality, educating others and expanding her own palate along the way. Meet Zohna. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
Z: Hi everyone! I’m Zohna and I’m a 25 year old outgoing millennial. I love learning, so even though I experienced several obstacles throughout my college career, I was able to obtain my Master’s Degree in Economics before the age of 25. I currently work in Municipal Government as an Assistant Director and in my spare time I am a wine and cocktail enthusiast/blogger. My love for wine and cocktails inspired me to create my Instagram Page: @inthedrinkofaneye during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Through this, I offer wine reviews, curate cocktails, and give some self-taught wine information in a fun, contemporary, and engaging way. I’m in the process of continuing my education in the wine and spirits arena by taking the steps to begin my journey to becoming a sommelier and certified mixologist. When I’m not working on content, I love to cook, travel, listen to a variety of music, and course binge Netflix!
K: Describe yourself in your own words
Z: I would describe myself as talkative, witty, athletic, ambitious, and benevolent. Loyalty is a key characteristic of mine, as I will do anything for the people I care about. On the flip side, I tend to be a little stubborn at times, I guess that’s the Taurus in me.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
Z: My favorite thing about myself is my ability to bounce back and to find humor in everything. Life is too short to not be happy, laughing, and accepting the things you can’t change.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
Z: I have always struggled with my weight and was bullied for it when I was younger. Dealing with eating disorders, going to different doctors, and being part of various case studies, it always felt like I was under a microscope. It took a different type of strength to swallow it, accept my journey, and to find the strength to light the fire within myself to overcome those obstacles. Those lessons enabled me to gain confidence and to tell the haters to go straight to hell while I continued to be unapologetically me.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
Z: One piece of advice I’d give to my younger self is not to be so hard on yourself, it’s okay to not have everything figured out and to not be “perfect.” Being unapologetically you, is honestly its own vibe and something you come to by truly reflecting within. Confidence is something you have to grow into before you can really blossom.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
Z: I love being a woman. Being a woman to me means that you have to be a boss in all aspects. We already get paid less than men, expected to do more than men, and have to prove ourselves time and time again. I also love being a Black woman. Being a woman of color, makes me realize that not only do I have to meet those markers, I have to prove it on an even greater scale. To me, being a woman means overcoming the current societal challenges, disrupting the system, and fighting for equality.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
Z: One woman that inspires me is my maternal grandmother. She had such a fiery spirit and was the matriarch of the family village that raised me. I think that’s why I’m such an old soul, as she would always give me different advice and knowledge on a wide variety of topics. She is the source for a lot of my strength and confidence I now possess. If she were here now, I would say to her that I love her, miss her and I hope she’s proud of the woman that I’m becoming.