Coco Noir Wine Shop & Bar

Coco Noir Wine Shop & Bar Where AI Meets Lifestyle ✨
Exploring AI, technology, travel, hospitality, wellness, culture, entrepreneurship & unforgettable experiences. coconoirwine.com

Inspiring curiosity through storytelling, innovation & authentic experiences. We are scheduled to open in the mid to late summer of 2022. You can shop our online wine shop at www.

In September, I attended an Oakland Metropolitan Chamber member event, “Investing in Talent: How Philanthropy and Techno...
10/02/2026

In September, I attended an Oakland Metropolitan Chamber member event, “Investing in Talent: How Philanthropy and Technology Can Build the Workforce of Tomorrow.”

One question stayed with me: How do we make sure the future of work is built with communities—not simply delivered to them?

The conversation highlighted the importance of connecting education and training to real jobs and career growth; protecting workers’ privacy as AI tools enter the workplace; and investing in foundational skills like literacy, communication, and critical thinking alongside AI literacy.

I was also struck by the emphasis on long-term, local collaboration. Oakland’s workforce strategy should reflect the strengths and needs of Oakland—not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.

As I represent CoCo Noir Labs, I’m reflecting on how responsible AI governance can help turn these ideas into practice. Technology should serve people and expand opportunity.

I attended an Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce event to hear what’s happening in our city, and one topic kept br...
10/02/2026

I attended an Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce event to hear what’s happening in our city, and one topic kept bringing the conversation back to a bigger question: How can Oakland embrace AI while making sure the community benefits?

Chuck Baker, introduced at the event as Oakland’s Assistant City Administrator, spoke about AI as both an economic opportunity and a responsibility. Oakland is developing guidance for how city employees use AI and has piloted secure tools, with an emphasis on protecting city information rather than putting it into public systems.

The conversation also went beyond software. AI infrastructure—like data centers—can bring investment and jobs, but it can also raise real questions about electricity, water, noise, and environmental effects. The point was not simply “bring it in” or “keep it out.” It was to understand what’s being proposed, measure impacts, involve the community, and ask what local jobs and workforce opportunities could come with it.

I appreciated the focus on preparing people for change, too. The discussion emphasized reskilling workers to use AI as a tool—and recognizing the value of human creativity.

As a member of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and founder of CoCo Noir Labs, I value being in rooms where these important questions are discussed. Chamber events help local businesses stay connected to the issues shaping our city and hear different perspectives firsthand.

What do you think Oakland should prioritize as AI grows: workforce preparation, environmental safeguards, local jobs, or all three?

Last month, I attended The Build: Black Business. Economic Power. Community. I went to connect, build relationships, and...
10/02/2026

Last month, I attended The Build: Black Business. Economic Power. Community. I went to connect, build relationships, and listen—and I left thinking about what it takes for our businesses and communities to thrive for generations.

The conversations touched on protecting community legacy, choosing to support Black businesses, building strong relationships, and getting the basics in place to pursue new opportunities. One message that stayed with me: preparation matters. Whether you’re pursuing contracts or growing your business, having your paperwork, plans, and partnerships in order can open doors.

At CoCo Noir Labs, I think about how those same questions of readiness and ownership apply as businesses adopt AI: What are we building? Who benefits? And how do we move forward responsibly?

Grateful for the conversations and connections. What does building lasting economic power look like to you?

What does it take for a small business to win a big contract? Preparation, relationships, and access to the right inform...
10/02/2026

What does it take for a small business to win a big contract? Preparation, relationships, and access to the right information.

I attended Small Business, Big Contract during Oakland Tech Week and heard from community organizations, public agencies, and corporate representatives about certifications, procurement pathways, and the importance of being ready before an opportunity appears.

A few useful examples from the conversation: California’s state contracting program includes goals for small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises; EBMUD described a bid evaluation preference for eligible small businesses; and the Port of Oakland explained how its certified business database can help connect firms to opportunities. Speakers also discussed technology and AI readiness, along with the ongoing challenge of access to capital.

At CoCo Noir Labs, we help businesses, public sector organizations, and educational institutions navigate AI through implementation, integration, governance, and strategy.

Let’s keep sharing knowledge and building a stronger, more connected business community. What’s one resource or relationship that has helped your organization move forward?

What’s an idea you’ve had for years but haven’t had the chance to build?On Wednesday, roughly 30–40 women gathered for W...
10/02/2026

What’s an idea you’ve had for years but haven’t had the chance to build?

On Wednesday, roughly 30–40 women gathered for Women Build Oakland: From Idea to App in One Day. It was one of the first events for CoCo Noir Labs, hosted during Oakland Tech Week with Lovable as our building platform.

The women in the room came with all kinds of ideas: businesses they wanted to start, websites they’d imagined, and technology solutions to problems they knew firsthand. Some were entrepreneurs. Others brought experience from their work and communities. They spent the day learning, sharing, and creating a starting point they can continue to build on.

These photos show what I hope CoCo Noir Labs will keep making possible: a community where women can explore technology, turn their knowledge into something tangible, and help one another move forward.

This was our first buildathon, with more to come. 💜

If you had a day and a room full of support, what would you build? Tell us in the comments.

Join our community for future events: https://coco-noir-labs.kit.com/3e70e1cb13

09/29/2026

Oakland Tech Week: Help Support Women Build Oakland

Watch my video to learn about Wednesday’s buildathon with CoCo Noir Labs and Lovable. We’re bringing together fewer than 100 builders, and I’m looking for breakfast or lunch sponsors, event volunteers, demo judges, and prize donors. Prizes could include mentoring, technical assistance, services, or cash.

The event is September 30, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., at the Oakland Tribune Building. Even a partial contribution or introduction would help.

Can you support us? Please DM me today. Let’s build something great for Oakland.

The rooms I’m walking into these days look a little different—and that’s intentional.Yesterday I spent the day in Oaklan...
09/24/2026

The rooms I’m walking into these days look a little different—and that’s intentional.

Yesterday I spent the day in Oakland learning, connecting and continuing to build the next chapter of my entrepreneurial journey.

I started at the BOC Small Business Showcase at Caltrans District 4, where I connected with public agencies, transportation organizations, procurement professionals and prime contractors from across the Bay Area.

One lesson stood out: certification is only the beginning.

Small businesses also need relationships, an understanding of procurement, access to opportunities—and a clear explanation of the problems they can solve.

Later, I headed to Oakland City Hall for a discussion about the City’s Economic Development Action Plan.

I asked about an issue I’m particularly interested in:

How is Oakland approaching AI policy and responsible AI adoption?

Because cities aren’t simply going to need AI tools.

They’ll need strategies for governance, privacy, workforce training, organizational change and determining where AI can actually improve public services.

This is where my own background is starting to come together.

I’ve worked in government. I’ve trained employees and managed projects. I’ve navigated organizational change. I’ve built businesses.

Now I’m bringing those experiences into AI through CoCo Noir Labs.

I’m increasingly interested in helping municipalities and public agencies move from AI curiosity → responsible implementation.

And I want to do some of that work right here in Oakland and throughout the Bay Area.

We’re located in one of the world’s most influential technology ecosystems.

Being near the AI economy isn’t enough.

Our businesses, workers and public institutions should participate in it.

Yesterday wasn’t just networking.

It was relationship building. Market research. Listening. Learning. And positioning CoCo Noir Labs for what’s next.

I’m finally going back through some of my photos and videos from August, and this trip deserves its own post.I traveled ...
09/24/2026

I’m finally going back through some of my photos and videos from August, and this trip deserves its own post.

I traveled from the Bay Area to Atlanta and packed three very different experiences into one trip:

✨ Invest Fest — entrepreneurship, investing, wealth building and business.

💻 Atlanta Tech Week — startups, founders, technology and Atlanta’s growing innovation community.

🤖 RenderATL — developers, AI, emerging technology and a deeper dive into the world of tech.

I attended panels, explored AI and robotics, met entrepreneurs and technologists, exchanged ideas and expanded my network.

But there was a bigger reason I wanted to make this trip.

I’m in a new chapter.

Many of you originally followed my journey through CoCo Noir W**e Shop & Bar and the w**e industry. Now you’re watching me take years of entrepreneurship, hospitality, training and business experience and bring all of that into technology and artificial intelligence.

I’m learning that starting a new chapter doesn’t mean throwing away the old ones.

You bring the lessons, relationships, mistakes, wins and experience with you.

Atlanta was about putting myself in new rooms.

Learning from different industries.

Meeting different people.

And continuing to understand where I fit in this rapidly changing AI ecosystem.

From w**e and hospitality to AI and technology—the journey continues.

Oakland ➡️ Atlanta ➡️ AI. 🤖✨

Looking back at this moment from July feels a little different now.Earlier this year, I made the decision to begin a new...
09/24/2026

Looking back at this moment from July feels a little different now.

Earlier this year, I made the decision to begin a new chapter—taking everything I had learned as an entrepreneur in w**e, hospitality and business and bringing that experience into the world of artificial intelligence.

Then in July, I found myself on stage at the International Bulk W**e & Spirits Show discussing The AI Advantage for Beverage Businesses alongside other professionals working at the intersection of AI and the beverage industry.

But I wasn’t there only as a speaker.

I also exhibited with CoCo Noir Labs and introduced Uncorked AI, an AI-powered solution I created with w**eries and tasting rooms in mind.

There’s something powerful about looking back and realizing that sometimes your previous chapter isn’t separate from your next one—it becomes the foundation for it.

W**e brought me here. Entrepreneurship prepared me. And AI is opening an entirely new chapter.

I’m excited to keep sharing the journey.

🚨 WE’RE DOWN TO THE HOMESTRETCH — 41 ITEMS $100 & UNDER! 🚨The CoCo Noir Closeout Sale is entering its final stretch, and...
08/17/2026

🚨 WE’RE DOWN TO THE HOMESTRETCH — 41 ITEMS $100 & UNDER! 🚨

The CoCo Noir Closeout Sale is entering its final stretch, and we currently have 41 items priced at $100 or less!

If you own or know someone who owns a restaurant, bar, tasting room, event venue, office or commercial space, please share this sale with them. We also have items that can work perfectly in your home.

In addition to our $100-and-under collection, we still have select custom-designed furniture, fixtures and lighting available.

👉 SHOP THE 41 ITEMS $100 & UNDER

https://coco-noir-closeout-sale-hub.lovable.app/under-100

📅 Everything must go by August 31.

PICKUP HOURS

Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21
⏰ 11 AM – 6 PM

Saturday, August 29
⏰ 11 AM – 5 PM

Sunday, August 30
⏰ 11 AM – 5 PM

Monday, August 31
⏰ 11 AM – 5 PM

Our website includes all available items, pickup information, phone number and email contact information.

Please SHARE this post with your network. One share could connect one of these remaining pieces with a restaurant owner, event professional, business owner, designer, homeowner or someone else who can put it to great use.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased items and helped us spread the word. We truly appreciate your support as we close out this chapter. ❤️

41 items $100 & under + custom furniture + lighting. Everything must go by August 31!

Address

1234
Oakland, CA

Telephone

+15102300500

Website

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