We were lucky to catch up with Italia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Italia, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

“I hope my legacy is proof that no matter where you start, you can rewrite your story. I want to be remembered as someone who took every struggle and turned it into a stepping stone—not just for myself, but for others. Whether it was building businesses from scratch, writing books that empower people, or creating wine that tells a story of resilience—I want my legacy to be about turning pain into purpose. If I can inspire even one woman to rise after being knocked down, then I’ve done my job. I want my name to be synonymous with reinvention, empowerment, and generosity—and I want people to feel stronger, smarter, and more self-assured because I existed.”

Italia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Absolutely—I’d love to share.

I’m Italia Tornabene, and I’m a serial entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Tornabene Wine and several other wellness and empowerment-focused ventures. My journey didn’t begin with privilege or ease—in fact, I was once a homeless single mother. I had no safety net, no connections—just grit, faith, and a relentless belief that my past didn’t have to define my future.

That belief fueled everything I’ve built since.

Over the years, I’ve founded multiple successful businesses—from service-based companies to digital brands—but Tornabene Wine is something special. It’s not just wine; it’s wellness, luxury, and storytelling in a bottle. Our wines are designed for people like me—those who love sophistication and celebration, but also care deeply about their health. That’s why our wines are low-acidic, stomach-friendly, and cleanly crafted. What sets us apart is that we’re not just selling wine—we’re delivering a lifestyle of intention and empowerment.

But my work doesn’t stop there. I’ve written books like Easy Investing and Suits to Stilettos, I run workshops, and I coach women on how to turn their pain into power. I also founded a nonprofit called EmpowerHER Journey Inc., which supports single mothers with entrepreneurial dreams—because I know firsthand what it’s like to have the drive but not the resources.

The problems I solve for people are deeply personal:

I help women reclaim their voice and rewrite their narrative.

I give health-conscious consumers an elegant alternative in a market that often overlooks them.

And I show that it’s possible to build wealth, wellness, and legacy—all at once.

What I’m most proud of is that I never let the past define me. I used it as fuel. And now, I use that same energy to inspire, educate, and create change.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s this: I’m not just a brand. I’m a movement. I’m building businesses that heal, products that elevate, and platforms that empower. And I’m doing it all with authenticity, integrity, and heart.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There have been a lot of pivotal moments in my life, but one that stands out—and completely changed everything—was when I had to walk away from a successful business I built from the ground up.

I had a cleaning company that landed major contracts, including one with MGM. On paper, it was thriving. But behind the scenes, I was battling burnout, managing dozens of employees, and barely recognizing myself in the process. I was also still healing from emotional wounds, raising a child, and trying to figure out who I really was outside of “survival mode.”

Then I got injured. It wasn’t life-threatening, but it was the kind of injury that forced me to slow down—and slowing down made me look at everything differently. I realized I wasn’t building a life that aligned with my soul anymore. I was building out of necessity, not purpose.

So I pivoted. I sold the business. I started writing. I started healing. I stopped chasing money and started chasing meaning. And that’s how Tornabene Wine was born. That’s how EmpowerHER Journey came to life. That’s how my books got written.

It was terrifying to let go of what looked like “success” on the outside, but it was the best decision I ever made. Because it gave me the space to build something that reflects me—not just what I’ve been through, but who I’ve become.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There was a time in my life when I had nothing—no home, no income, no support system. I was a teenage mother trying to survive, trying to figure out how to raise a child when I was still trying to raise myself. There were nights I slept in my car. Days I went hungry just to make sure my son ate first. I didn’t have the luxury of falling apart, even when I was breaking inside.

But what people don’t always understand about resilience is that it’s not always loud. Sometimes it’s just choosing to get up one more time when the world keeps knocking you down.

I remember one day standing in line at a grocery store with only a few dollars to my name, calculating in my head what I could afford. I was exhausted. Embarrassed. But I looked down at my son and knew—I couldn’t let that moment define either of us. That was the day I promised myself I would never settle for survival again.

That promise fueled every business I built. It fueled every book I wrote. It’s what gave me the fire to turn Tornabene Wine from an idea into a brand. And it’s why 10% of every bottle sold goes to helping other single mothers—because I know exactly what it feels like to start with nothing.

Resilience isn’t about having it all together. It’s about having every reason to quit, and choosing to keep going anyway. That’s my story—and it’s the heart of everything I’ve created.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.italiatornabene.com
• Instagram: @italiatornabene
• Facebook: @italiatornabene
• Linkedin: @italiatornabene
• Twitter: @italiainspires
• Youtube: @italiatornabene