A phone call between two women during the pandemic morphed into an idea for an unscripted series. We were strangers then, but by April 15, 2021, we channeled our creativity and formed Fresh Glass Productions LLC to be the conduit to representation through storytelling, community engagement, and advocacy. A month later, we brought our vision to life with Fresh Glass.

In Theresa’s journey in the entertainment industry and my journey as an entrepreneur, we realized representation, particularly in storytelling was absent. Entrepreneurship supports infrastructure development for education, business training and mentorship, and other social needs. Most importantly, entrepreneurship creates community, particularly in underrepresented and underserved groups. Data shows that:

• Minority-owned businesses bring in $1.3 trillion in annual receipts. (SBA)
• 36.1% of all Black-owned businesses are owned by women—higher than any other racial group. (USA Facts)
• Minority-owned employer businesses account for over $280 billion in payroll. (SBA)

Considering these numbers, the stories of the individuals whose statistics were reflected in them were missing from the airwaves and thereby rendered invisible. The faces, the journeys, and the hard lessons learned; none of them were shown on any platform until Fresh Glass.

Season One debuted on KPBS on September 15, 2022. This 6-episode series introduced myself as a Host who traveled throughout California seeking adventure while bringing awareness and authenticity to viewing audiences. From the first Indigenous winemaker to the first Black woman to own a winery in the United States, Fresh Glass told the stories and spirits of trailblazers and pioneers in their fields

.Airing on 30 channels in 12 states and streaming on KPBS and PBS, we received two Emmy nominations and one win for Magazine Program. It was a surreal moment, and this achievement would not have been possible without the support of KPBS, our sponsors, and viewers.

Theresa and I are in production for Season Two, and need your support in continuing to create groundbreaking television. More than ever, diverse stories must continue to be told, and we look forward to continuing this journey with your help.

Sincerely,