We were lucky to catch up with Ornella Fado recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ornella thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
The mission behind my company is to produce TV shows that challenge and dismantle outdated and harmful stereotypes that have long been associated with Italians abroad. For decades, too many films and TV shows have reduced Italian identity to caricatures—often tied to crime or exaggerated clichés. I created Brindiamo! with a clear purpose: to tell a different story.
For the past 20 years, Brindiamo! has celebrated the true beauty of Italy through its cuisine, culture, and people. The show highlights the inspiring journeys of Italians living abroad, from passionate chefs to successful entrepreneurs, and has welcomed many beloved Italian celebrities visiting the United States. It’s a platform that honors authenticity, dignity, and excellence—offering a vibrant and positive representation of what it means to be Italian in the world today
Ornella , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Ornella Fado, and I am the founder of OK Productions LLC, a media production company that specializes in creating high-quality Italian-themed television shows. Some of our notable programs include “Brindiamo!”, “Brindiamo! in My Kitchen”, “Brindiamo! International Cuisine”, and “Brindiamo! on the Sea”.
As the host, creator, and producer of this award-winning television show, I celebrate the richness of Italian culture, cuisine, and creativity, primarily through the lens of Italian excellence abroad. The show has been broadcast on NYC-TV, Channel 25, since October 2005.
The show has garnered a large following, and select series are available to stream on popular platforms such as Amazon Prime, Tubi TV, XUMO TV, and Food TV.
I was born and raised in Italy, where I began my career as a professional dancer and performer. Over time, my love for performance evolved into a deep passion for storytelling and cultural representation.
When I moved to the United States in 1992, I noticed a significant gap in how Italians were portrayed in the media. Too often, these portrayals relied on outdated or negative stereotypes. I wanted to change that narrative, and that’s how Brindiamo! was born.
Over the past 20 years, the show has transformed into a more international brand. I have had the privilege of featuring hundreds of Italian chefs, restaurateurs, artists, and entrepreneurs who are making an impact abroad. We have filmed in the U.S., Italy, Bermuda, and Canada, showcasing the beauty of Italian traditions as well as the innovation of Italians living and working overseas.
What I offer is more than just a television show;
Brindiamo! is a platform that celebrates Italian identity. Through Brindiamo!, I provide media content, brand collaborations, and live events.
In 2020, I launched a brand channel called Brindiamo! Channel, which streams on Samsung TV Plus and Rakuten in Italy. This channel features over 100 episodes of Brindiamo! Along with many other TV programs, such as “My Talented Friends” and “Change Your Destiny.”
In 2021, I took a significant step toward connecting Italians by co-founding the Genialitàly Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering connections among Italians in the United States and Italy. Additionally, I serve as the creative and editorial director of Genialitàly Magazine, a vibrant publication that brings together diverse voices from the Italian community.
Since December 2021, I have been a member of COM.IT.ES. NY, which stands for the Committee of Italians Abroad and is the official body of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this organization, I hold the position of President of the Commission for Communication and Events.
What sets me apart?
I am the first Italian woman to create and host a U.S. television show dedicated explicitly to Italians abroad, and I am also the only woman to own one of the over 150 linear channels on Samsung TV Plus in Italy.
I bring authenticity, elegance, and emotional depth to everything I do. My brand is built on trust, quality, and heart.
I take the most pride in the long-lasting relationships I have built—not only with my viewers and followers but also with chefs, business owners, and cultural leaders who share my passion for elevating the Italian voice abroad.
To anyone discovering me or Brindiamo! for the first time:
I want you to know that what I do is deeply personal. It’s about heritage, pride, and building connections between generations, countries, and cultures. Whether you’re watching an episode of my show, reading an article in my magazine, attending a live event, or tuning into my podcast, I invite you to raise a glass and celebrate the beauty of being Italian wherever you are in the world. Brindiamo!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I’m someone who doesn’t give up easily. My journey has always been one of resilience.
As an Italian immigrant with a thick accent, I had to draw on resilience to achieve my dream job. I moved to New York 33 years ago after marrying the music director of ‘A Chorus Line,’ whom I met while performing in Italy. Although it would have been easy to leave my show business career behind—especially since no one was knocking on my door to seek my talent and accent—I refused to let that detail stop me from reclaiming my career or, better yet, creating a new one in America.
I wanted to do something meaningful, so I created a television show that I would produce, host, and broadcast on an American channel. It was a bold and ambitious project, particularly for a woman without connections in the industry, in a new country, and speaking a second language.
Many would have said it was impossible, but I never believed that to be the case. My mother always said, ‘VOLERE È POTERE,’ which means the power of will.
It took endless perseverance, countless sleepless nights, and a deep sense of purpose. I wanted to showcase the beauty of my culture and share the real stories of Italians abroad—not stereotypes, but authentic voices, hearts, traditions, and excellence. More importantly, I wanted to pursue my career in a foreign country without any regrets.
Now, 20 years later, I’m still here. I’m still telling stories. I’m still celebrating the incredible journey I’ve built, marked by resilience, passion, and love. And I’m proud to say: I never gave up.”
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
“When I embarked on my journey, I had no capital—I only had a powerful vision. Many people hold back from pursuing their dreams because they think they need funding upfront. I’m here to tell you that you can bring a meaningful project to life without it. What truly matters is your passion, a clear vision, and the unwavering resilience to push through challenges. That’s how I launched my show, and over 20 years later, it’s still thriving because of that same spirit.” “When I started my journey, I didn’t have capital; I had a vision. Many people hesitate to begin because they believe they need funding first. However, I’m living proof that you can launch a meaningful project without it. What you need is passion, a strong vision, and the resilience to keep going. That’s how I started my show, and that’s how I’ve continued for over 20 years.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ornellafado.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ornellafado/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ornellafado
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ornella-fado-56a0145/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ornellafado5864
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2320804/
Image Credits
Claudio Napoli,
Stephen Shadrach,
Inna Race,
RAI, Antonio
Luna,
Danilo Lentini