For Tiana Watkins, relocating to Atlanta to pursue a master’s in marketing felt like a homecoming. She was born and raised in Georgia and later moved to Kentucky, earning a B.B.A. from Murray State University in 2018. In the early stage of the pandemic, she and her father opened Waters Edge Winery & Bistro. In addition to managing the winery’s social media presence, she spearheaded a “Winemaker Series” that includes a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process as well as industry education. The overarching point of the content is to welcome people into the wine world—especially groups who have felt excluded.
Through that experience, Watkins discovered a passion for marketing, hence her decision to enroll at Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business this past summer.
“The majority of my family is here,” she said. “And through Robinson’s top program, I know I’ll meet people who will help guide me as I build out my own business.”
Watkins’s father continues to run the winery while she envisions her future in Georgia. She prefers to stay here because of the state’s more diverse population, which will be key to her success. She plans to launch a wine business with a heavy focus on hosting events.
“There aren’t a lot of Black distillers or winemakers. I want to highlight faces people don’t normally see,” she said. “I want to be a pioneer, show anyone can do this, and build a road for others.”
Through her coursework at Robinson, Watkins is learning how to carve that trail. She’s exploring the psychological aspects of marketing, specifically how to advertise a business with certain customers and clientele in mind. She’s also embracing AI.
“People are scared of AI, but with marketing, you have to find the right path where AI is not a hindrance but an accessory to what you want to accomplish,” she said.
Throughout her first semester, Watkins has improved her communication skills and stepped out of her shell.
“I get a little nervous when introducing myself to new people,” she said. “But through ‘coffee and conversation’ meetups, I’m learning how to sell myself and my business in a short amount of time.”
Watkins’s journey has included overcoming mental health challenges including depression, suicidal ideation, and imposter syndrome. She’s adjusted her internal monologue and stopped absorbing outside noise. Through therapy and coping strategies, Watkins is coming into her own as a stronger version of herself.
“I want other students, creatives, and aspiring winemakers to know they’re not alone and that growth can happen even during difficult seasons,” she said.
Watkins feels good about her master’s degree, which she will finish in spring 2026.
“Everyone needs marketing, and I’m a multifaceted creative,” she said. “I can do graphic design, record and edit videos, create soundbites, and more. I’m a chameleon, and the sky’s the limit.”