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Faith, family, and entrepreneurship beautifully intertwine in this heartwarming conversation with Will and Shannon Corbett, founders of The Vine—a unique collaborative marketplace coming to San Antonio. The couple, joined by their adorable baby daughter Ella, share how a beloved family recipe transformed into a community-focused business venture.

The journey began with Will's grandmother's sweet potato pie recipe, which he adapted to be gluten-free when Shannon was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity. This labor of love became the foundation for something greater when the couple envisioned a space where local entrepreneurs could showcase their talents without the overhead of traditional retail. The Vine, named after John 15 ("I am the vine, you are the branches"), embodies their mission to create a nurturing environment where vendors can flourish and grow.

What sets The Vine apart is its welcoming approach to both established and emerging entrepreneurs. "If you're new to this vendor business and nervous to branch out, The Vine is the perfect place to start," Shannon explains. With a French market aesthetic and vintage, mismatched furniture, the space will host a rotating selection of vendors selling everything from gourmet baked goods to handcrafted jewelry. Located at 2202 Broadway near the Pearl district, The Vine plans its soft opening on September 27th, with regular hours Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 8pm.

The Corbetts' story resonates with anyone who's dreamed of building something meaningful while supporting others along the way. Their gluten-free sweet potato pie may have been the catalyst, but their vision extends far beyond baking—creating a judgment-free zone where creativity and community thrive together. Whether you're a potential vendor or simply someone who appreciates locally-made goods, The Vine promises to be a fruitful addition to San Antonio's small business landscape.

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Drop Us A Line….

We celebrate our Takisha A Davis Scholarship presentation, awarding promising HBCU students across the country. The competition was fierce with over 70 initial applicants narrowed down to ten outstanding finalists representing schools including Florida A&M, Prairie View, Howard, and Spelman.

• Anthony H. Brown joins to help present the scholarships and shares news about his book "Inspire Me Moments"
• Special guest Pamela Davis emphasizes the importance of educational foundations and returning to basics in teaching
• Board members are introduced, highlighting the dedicated team behind A Better Chance for Youth
• Scholarship honorees in places 7-10 receive recognition for their leadership and community service
• Six scholarship recipients are awarded amounts ranging from $100 to $1,000
• Florida A&M University students dominate the competition with four winners, including the $1,000 top prize
• The scholarship continues Takisha Davis's legacy by supporting students with funds that go directly to them, not their institutions
• Scholarship funds can be used for essentials, books, dormitory needs, or personal expenses

Join our upcoming interest meeting on Wednesday to learn about our year-round student program for 7th-12th graders, which focuses on HBCU preparation, financial literacy, and college selection. You don't have to live in San Antonio to participate – we work with students nationwide.

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Drop Us A Line….

Building bridges that connect students to historically Black colleges and universities takes dedication, collaboration, and vision. This powerful conversation between Dr. Monique Robinson and board member Leon Frye unveils the critical work happening in San Antonio and beyond to create pathways for young scholars to discover HBCUs.

At the heart of their discussion is the formation of the South Texas HBCU Alumni Alliance – a collaborative initiative bringing together graduates and supporters from various institutions to amplify their collective impact. "It's more strength if more people have it," explains Dr. Robinson, highlighting how even smaller alumni chapters gain significant influence when working together. This alliance aims to move beyond social gatherings to create meaningful advocacy opportunities that directly benefit students.

The episode showcases the upcoming State Fair Classic weekend celebrating the 100th anniversary matchup between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M. This iconic event draws over 50,000 attendees annually and features concerts, the legendary Battle of the Bands, and networking opportunities. Leon details an all-inclusive bus trip package designed to bring San Antonio residents to experience this cultural touchstone while supporting HBCU advocacy efforts locally.

Perhaps most compelling is their honest conversation about the decreasing exposure many students have to HBCUs in their schools. "I got exposed to it because I had older cousins that went to Grambling or went to Southern," shares Leon, emphasizing how critical these personal connections are. The "Scholars on the Move" program addresses this gap by providing 7th-12th grade students with HBCU knowledge, financial literacy education, and mentorship throughout the academic year.

Ready to join this movement? Applications are open for the Scholars on the Move program, board positions are available for those wanting to contribute their expertise, and the State Fair Classic bus trip welcomes all who wish to experience HBCU culture firsthand. Connect with us through our social platforms or website to become part of this growing community dedicated to student success.

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