A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson
Educational Conversations with Scholars in Mind. "Our mission is to empower and uplift scholars pursuing higher education at HBCUs, ensuring they have the resources, support, and opportunities needed for a successful future. Through mentorship, scholarship programs, and community engagement, we strive to create a pathway to excellence, fostering academic achievement, leadership development, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Together, we are building a brighter future for young scholars, strengthening the legacy of HBCUs, and fueling positive change in our communities."
A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson
From Sweet Potato Pies to Shared Spaces: Building The Vine in San Antonio
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.
Welcome to a better chance for youth television show with your host, monique Robinson, where we highlight, celebrate and recognize students from all over the country who are doing great things in the classroom, community and athletics. Every student deserves an opportunity, an opportunity for hope and a future. So let's celebrate our students, the next generation of teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs and future leaders. Join us on another incredible segment of A Better Chance for Youth show with your host, monique Robinson.
Speaker 3:Welcome, welcome, welcome, and thank you for tuning in today with another episode of a better chance for you television show with your host myself, dr monique robinson. So, guys, I want to thank you for continuing to so seize into our um takisha a davis scholarship, as we were awarded that you on the last episode. And congratulations to all of our winners and I wish you much success in all your future endeavors. Now, today I actually have some guests here locally. I know, surprising, we went from talking to people everywhere till today we are actually in our own backyard, which is, you know, sometimes we have those hidden gems. We are actually in our own backyard, which is, you know, sometimes we have those hidden gems.
Speaker 3:Now I have a wonderful couple that is coming to join us today and they have a unique business, and so I met them at an event and y'all know, y'all might as well call me the connector, because I will connect somebody in businesses and meet people, because you know it's strength in numbers and if we work together we can prosper much. So let's welcome to the show this lovely, lovely couple. Hey guys, how are you?
Speaker 4:hey, hey, how's it going I can't complain.
Speaker 3:You know well, you're here locally, so I know you know how high it is. But hey, I don't stop not complain. So tell the audience um, our listening audience and people who are watching who you are, a little bit about yourself and what unique business that you have sure thing.
Speaker 4:So I'll do the introductions. Uh, this is my lovely wife shannon, our baby girl, ella, and um willie corbett. Um, let's see, we got started here in san antonio. What five years? Four years ago we were dating and came down here and started life, got married married four years now and check us out, here we are. We wanted to start an opportunity where we brought in more passive income and we wanted to do something unique for the community. So my wife came up with this wonderful idea to create a hosting space this wonderful idea to create a hosting space.
Speaker 5:Yeah, so it sort of stemmed from Will and his love of baking. So a couple years ago we started a sweet potato pie business. It came from Will learning from his grandmother. You don't get hard notes from grandma or hard measurements. You have to just sort of go with what she says Pinch more of this, sprinkle more of that, so we'll learn how to make that sweet potato pie. And as we introduced it to the community, everyone loved it. So we were looking at ways to sort of venture that out, how to expand that pie business, and we came up with the vine. So, along with Will doing his sweet potato pies there, which happened to be gluten-free, we're also going to be hosting local vendors, artists. We're also going to be hosting local vendors, artists, creators, other cottage bakers that rotate through, and we'll be collaborating with them.
Speaker 3:And it's going to be a great thing, awesome, awesome. Now I am looking and I'm I know the backstory, but I know our audience does not know the whole.
Speaker 5:How did you come up with the name Divine Sure. So you know the vine, I would say, is divine. It was definitely inspired by the Holy Spirit as we were trying to figure out exactly what we wanted to do next. I think one thing that you find when you're connected with our Lord is that you find that you feel that dissonance when things aren't right. And when we came up with the vine, it just was right. We have our other little one in the other room screaming for more. We have our other little one in the other room screaming for more, but what we found was that the vine comes from John 15. You are the vine, or I am the vine and you are the branches, and that's sort of the concept we want for our business. We want everyone that comes through our business to be fruitful all the other vendors and we want the vine itself to be a place of nourishment, a place of growth and opportunity for those that pass through. So it comes from John 15 and definitely Holy Spirit driven.
Speaker 3:I absolutely love that unique idea and the business of being faith-based, and so that makes a whole big difference. Now you said that the business is going to be open to vendors, artists Now how, if they weren't interested, how can we get them to contact you?
Speaker 4:Because we do have some artists, vendors, a lot of people that actually engage in things that we do here, and I would love to give information to them sure well, uh, currently we have our, um, our website, our instagram page and I suppose the easiest thing and I suppose the easiest way to get in touch I guess the easiest way to get in touch you wanna tell them, you can tell them. Go ahead, just send us an email to thevine2202 at gmailcom and we can start with the filling the request and taking intake forms and establishing a relationship from there.
Speaker 5:Letting the branches start to sew we also have on our instagram a link where any vendor that is inter interested so the instagram is the vine, underscore 2202 and any vendor that's interested there's a link on there where you can fill out um days you might be interested what you're selling and we can collaborate from there that is truly, truly awesome and I like the way that the collab collaborative idea that you know your name clearly represents.
Speaker 3:But we have to take a short commercial break because you know, if we don't play their commercials, I'm just playing, but we do have to take a short commercial break. So when we come back, I am truly, truly intrigued to know, because you said he bakes. I wonder what you know. I need to know some things. I have a sweet tooth. It's probably not this one. You said you're intrigued.
Speaker 6:I'm intrigued. Right after this, are you interested in attending an historically black college or university? Hello, my name is Robert Mason. I'm president and founder of the Common Black College application. Our application allows students to apply to over 50 historically black colleges and universities at the same time for only $20. Hbcu graduates have been some of the most renowned individuals in their respective fields since the late 1800s. In addition to that, our faculty and staff are truly committed to your success and they have a vested interest in seeing that you do well. That, coupled with the academic rigor and the fact that you will establish lifelong relationships, are just some of the many benefits of your attending an historically black college and university. So if you're interested in completing the Common Black College App, visit our website at commonblackcollegeappcom to apply now. Thank you, and get educated welcome back, welcome back.
Speaker 3:We are here. I have, you know, this wonderful family because they had. You know, we have a entire family. Today the baby been trying to talk, but you know they're not, but it's okay, we, we are enjoying the entire family now. When we left off, we were discussing, uh, the unique baked goods, and you said something about gluten-free is all the products yes, all the products of gluten-free.
Speaker 4:um, it started out first where we had grandma's I grandma's recipe and I was just, you know, like Jen was saying, I that's how much this little bit measured out to, and I took that recipe and I was dating Shannon and it was like, all right, I got to make this work, you know, I got to show her this labor of love that I want to share because she was diagnosed with the gluten allergy at first, and modified it and it came out pretty good.
Speaker 4:And years later I was diagnosed with the gluten allergy too, so then I was like all right, cool, this is something that we can both enjoy with no, no side effects. It was all good. So it came out and that worked out pretty well for us that's pretty cool.
Speaker 3:So um your, are your products like healthy, or do you just make a mixture? How does that?
Speaker 4:work how would you put?
Speaker 5:it. However, due to the labor of love, which includes homemade ingredients for the evaporated milk, the condensed milk and all the other secret ingredients that go into the pie, I would definitely say it's lacking a lot of the chemical fillers that some of the other desserts might have. So you know, it still has its grandma healthy version of sugar and butter and eggs and but it, um, it's definitely like the freshest ingredients and there's not any additives, there are no preservatives, so in that sense.
Speaker 3:Yes, it's definitely. It's definitely. Well, that sounds good. Now, is that the only like product that you offer is just a sweet potato or pie, or is there other baking provided or sold?
Speaker 5:currently currently yeah, so for him with nelly's gluten free sweet potato pie. That's. That's the only product right now. However, we have so many amazing cottage bakers that are going to be rotating through the vine. We have a French pastry chef who is literally she's Haitian and she did her pastry school in France, and so she's going to be one of our vendors. Her stuff is not gluten-free it looks so good.
Speaker 4:It looks amazing. The presentation is just likefree. It looks so good, the presentation is just like wow.
Speaker 5:Yeah, we have people that are more beginner, that you know do what look like amazing cookies and cakes that have some gluten-free options. We have people where their sweet rolls are out of this world. So we have a variety of goods, but our specific one right now is just the sweet potato pie.
Speaker 3:I need to sample this sweet potato pie. Ha ha.
Speaker 4:You know what it is. You know what it is.
Speaker 3:We did not even mention that. I'm so sorry, guys. They have a really special event and I wish I had the flyer queued up and I could have showed it so everybody can see it, but it will be in the newsletter next week. So look out for this flyer, because they have an amazing event and I want them to tell you about it.
Speaker 4:So we're doing our soft opening September 27th and we're doing our South opening September 27th and we'll have our official South opening. And with this launch here, what we'll end up doing is having a few of our vendors come out and just see the whole landscape, have people come out and check out our service and see how we offer and serve to the community and just get our feet wet. This will be the first time that we're kicking it off, so as many people want to come out and come see this.
Speaker 4:Please do September 27th. 2202 Broadway avenue. Um, right down the street from the pearl.
Speaker 5:Come check us out yeah, we're really going for that french market vibe with maybe a little touch of our local um famous hotel, hotel emma. So you know some vintage, mismatched furniture, but everything goes together. Um, we'll have our vendors set up. I think our opening lineup includes some like gourmet dog treats, the sweet potato pie, couple other bakers, maybe a jeweler or two as well. That's interested. So the opening lineup is gonna be really special for that first day.
Speaker 3:The opening lineup is going to be really special for that, for that first day, oh wow. Well, I I know I will not be able to attend yourself, I will definitely make sure I support everything you do from afar, because I'm one of those type of people that will commit everybody to somebody that can help them out. So that's just. That's just something I do.
Speaker 4:I think that's the northernness let us know when you're coming. We'll still set aside something for you, whatever it is hey, say less.
Speaker 3:I will definitely be there. I'm gonna take a quick, quick commercial break, but when we come back I want you to review, uh, or, for our audience, reiterate, how they can get in contact with you, and then also talk about the sponsors or vendors that you're looking for for your soft opening. So after this, you know, be ready to share that.
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Speaker 3:Welcome back. Welcome back. We are back here. I have been enjoying family time with the Vine. They had the entire family on the broadcast. The baby got something to say. You know, every time I ask a question she responds I don't know. You probably know the answer, yeah she's been here before. She says she's been here before, or she just look, I'm in the interview. I love it, love it. So what type of vendors are you looking for for the 27th? And then, if you know, info again.
Speaker 4:Let's see what type of vendors are we looking for for the 27th.
Speaker 5:So the 27th, I think we have our lineup. Pretty much good to go. But the great part about the vine is that every single day we're open, we're looking for that variety for people to be able to be fruitful. So we're looking for everyone. If you're an artist, if you are a curator, if you bake, if you do jewelry, if you have a unique product, anything of the sort is welcome at the vine.
Speaker 4:But I was just going to add on to it. Especially like if you got a talent to serve as something that you really want to just bring to the community and just show everybody and you just starting out perfect place to be.
Speaker 5:Yeah, we have a couple vendors talking and talking to us. Let's say, you know, I'm new to this vendor business. I'm a little nervous to branch out.
Speaker 5:The Vine is the perfect place to start the community there is already so welcoming and you know it's a judgment-free zone and it would be a great place for you to get that brick and mortar feel without having to have everything that goes along with it. Just try it out for day, a week, a month, whatever it is. So that's sort of the unique part of the vine lots of foot traffic and a lot of people to see your products. Yes, please don't mind the construction.
Speaker 4:Right now they're setting up a lot of different buildings all around us, but come by May we're gonna be all set up and rolling. Um, we announced it with the big high food traffic because, uh, there's just a lot of different changes coming in that area that we really want everybody to come and be a part of. So we got some time 6 27, come and check us out. Otherwise we'll be opening the following week thursday through sunday, 9 00 am to 8 pm.
Speaker 3:Thursday through Sunday 9 am to 8 pm Awesome, awesome, and I truly thank you all for hopping on today with the family, and I cannot wait to see how much the vine grows, and I really enjoy sitting here this moment discussing your business with you. Thank you for stopping by today, thanks for having all three of us.
Speaker 5:Sorry about the little one.
Speaker 3:She's like I'm working. This is part of my ministry too, so no problem. Truly truly understand.
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Speaker 3:Thank you for tuning in today and actually thank you for supporting us heavily tuning in today and actually thank you for supporting us heavily. Now, before we go, I have a couple of announcements that you know I got to share, so if you have been watching, you know it's been a lot of stuff happening. One is I do have a new book out. The title on here is actually the original title, but the new book is Our Family Began at an HBCU.
Speaker 3:And I will have a launch, so some special deals coming up about that one. And then we have our programming A Better Chance for you Futures Incorporated interest meeting. We had one last saturday, but we also have one that will be happening this week, um, on wednesday. So if you are interested in being a part of our organization, we do have three board seats available for those who are interested in that, and you know I'm excited, so we hope that you can get to playing peekaboo with you guys, but I just want you all to know the events that we have coming up. And, if you also been paying attention, we have our um G-Men Nation Incorporated, along with um our board member, leon Fry. That will be kind of like taking over the city next week in Dallas for the classic. I think it's next week, it might be the week after, I believe. However, support our friends because you know something they do our friends because you know something they do.
Speaker 3:Now, all of this information is actually in our newsletter and one of our heavy supporters, dr Sharon Crockett-Ray she sent this in to us, but I'm definitely not a golf person, but check this out as well. So, the women of Alpha Kappa, alpha Sorority Incorporated. They will be hosting on Saturday, october 4th 2025. 18 Shades of Green. It is a golf tournament. If you are interested, please scan the QR code and definitely check them out Now. I'm just scrolling through these announcements, this right here. We do have an official release date October 4th. However, right now we are doing our pre-sale and if you are interested in this, by all means, please, please, please, let us know, because we have some of the most amazing educators who are masters in their craft, masters in their field, and you know this information is also in the newsletter.
Speaker 3:Now one thing about this project this is my very first collaborative project that I spearheaded. Now, volume one is good, but you know, sooner or later, volume two will be coming. So I have truly, truly enjoyed our takisha a davis Scholarship Award yesterday and again, I can't thank you guys enough. I can't thank the parents enough. This is definitely the best class. I better not say that this class was so amazing that anything they need, if they need help with an internship I say that to everybody, but I genuinely mean it from the bottom of my heart. If you need something, say something, reach out. We will point you to the direction of how that can be. Now, before I go officially. I have friends and you guys know how much I love, love, love my Wilberforce University choir family.
Speaker 3:Now, a couple of months ago, I had an amazing guest that wrote a book. He honestly is I would say he's my big brother, not just my choir brother, he's my big brother. But anyway, and this came in the mail the other day, so I haven't started reading it, but I can't wait. I can't wait for mr manasseh uh, let me see it right r manasseh thornton to join me again, because we got something to talk about here. Thank you, manasseh, for the book, even though I didn't follow directions, so my book didn't get signed. But it's okay, because you're my brother, I can just mail it to you, you can mail it back, or you can just write me something and I'll paste it on here and say you signed it.
Speaker 3:So you know, guys, if you, you know, check them out, this is this something to talk about here. Get you one of these, as they say. So thank you for um this book discussion that we will be having really, really soon, and then also, as you know, we do every week. If you are interested in being on the show, check out the link in the newsletter, send us a line and we will definitely, definitely, definitely find a time for you to be highlighted and tell us all about you. Thank you, and it's been real, and I am your host, dr Monique Robinson, and thank you for all that you have done to make our business grow.
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Speaker 2:Tune in to a better chance for youth television show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Gospel Network, the television show dedicated to highlighting incredible students on their quest to change the world. Join us every week as we uplift the youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. Catch A Better Chance for Youth television show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Gospel Network. Thanks for watching a better chance for youth television show with your host Monique Robinson, the television show where we highlight incredible students in their quest to change the world. Join us each and every week as we uplift our youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. So until next time. God bless from your friends on a better chance for youth television show with your host Monique Robinson. You.
