Issa Rae is the blueprint.
As if the multi-hyphenate media mogul couldn’t add any more credentials to her already extensive resume, the Insecure creator has now entered the spirits industry with her new Prosecco line in partnership with E. & J. Gallo Winery, Viarae.
For years, this bubbly Italian wine has maintained a supporting role in the storyline within Rae’s universe. From being the drink of choice for the show’s lead character of Insecure, Issa Dee, to making special appearances during her A Sip series, it’s safe to say that you can’t indulge in Prosecco without thinking of Issa Rae.
Issa Rae, creator and founder, Viarae Prosecco
Courtesy of Viarae
In her October cover story interview withLos Angeles Magazine, Rae shared her hopes to take the stuffiness out of wine drinking and create a brand that makes luxury more approachable. "[Prosecco] just felt not as stuffy as Champagne, which I couldn't afford at the time. And it just felt approachably luxurious, which is how I like to think I live my life."
The Barbie star understands the power of her congeniality, which contributes to the success of her many endeavors. Fans and customers alike know that whether they’re tuning into her shows or picking up her Prosecco, they’re buying into the Issa Rae brand and community-driven pursuits, and truth be told, she can take all our coins.
Her Viarae Prosecco partnership is just one of the many entrepreneurial endeavors that Rae has launched on the tail of her meteoric rise.
The 38-year-old entrepreneur is one of the partners at Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, a chain originally rooted in the heart of South Los Angeles, is the owner of the production company Hoorae, along with her record label, Raedio, has starred in hit films like Barbie and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and recently been named as the creative director for the 2024 American Black Film Festival — just to name a few.
During an interview with Billboard, the writer shared that her secret is all about having multiple streams of income. “I always say that I model myself after Diddy, Ellen [DeGeneres], and Oprah: Oprah for being able to diversify her businesses and being a major influencer in that way; Ellen for being able to make a business out of being herself; and Diddy for his business acumen in expanding beyond hip-hop. I’ve looked to them in terms of ways to make my own imprint,” Rae told the publication.
Being entrepreneurial and scrappy is a personal acumen that Rae accredits the internet for. “It comes from being on the internet. When I just wanted to put out some s**t that I had written, and then being forced to market it and then build a team around it and then having ideas about promoting it.”
"I always say that I model myself after Diddy, Ellen, and Oprah: Oprah for being able to diversify her businesses and being a major influencer in that way; Ellen for being able to make a business out of being herself; and Diddy for his business acumen in expanding beyond hip-hop. I’ve looked to them in terms of ways to make my own imprint."
Viarae Prosecco, a bright, crisp, lively, and refreshingly refined take on the classic Italian sparkling wine.
Courtesy of Viarae
In a 2020 Bustle interview with author and journalist Elaine Welteroth, Rae was clear that while she has achieved a great deal of success in her career, she was only just beginning. “Every single time you do something, there’s a moving goalpost. I still feel like I have so much more to do and so much more to prove,” she said. “To the point of competing, I guess, with myself or with some invisible being just ahead of me, I don’t feel any impact yet. And a lot of that comes with time. Yes, 2007 was 13 years ago, but [it] feels like it’s been two years. I’m like, 'I need more time.'”
Watching Rae soar as a serial entrepreneur, it’s evident that it’s Issa vs. Issa, and the bar just keeps rising — it makes you wonder what can’t she do and what will she do next, all at the same time.
In her October interview with WineEnthusiast, she shared her plans for the future, “I think if people f*ck with this, then absolutely, I would love to expand!” she said. In Issa’s world, lifestyle is king, and her mission is clear. “I want to tell stories around that lifestyle.”
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Featured image by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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