{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep. 801: Unique Gifts from Italy and Beyond ","description":"JJ welcomes Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods\u2014many not readily available in the U.S.\u2014and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she\u2019s lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products\u2014primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California\u2014selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a \u201cclean slate\u201d: In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino\u2014funded through savings\u2014and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing\u2014especially their blog and YouTube channel\u2014to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, ros\u00e9s, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils\u2014including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products\u2014because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos\u2014plus JJ\u2019s enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino\u2019s monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets\u2014popular in December\u2014and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more \u201crecognizable\u201d wines, including Prosecco and kegs\u2014ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market\u2014especially as the wine industry faces headwinds\u2014and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with \u201cWomen Behind the Business: Real Conversations,\u201d potentially adding a wine tasting experience\u2014and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila \/ Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring \u201ca taste of Italy\u201d home. ","author_name":"Fit 2 Love Podcast with JJ Flizanes","author_url":"http:\/\/jjflizanes.com","html":"