We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fornati Bedell and Dania Joseph. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fornati Bedell and Dania Joseph below.

Fornati Bedell and Dania Joseph, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As the only wine brand owned by two black female physicians in the United States, The Danati Collection brings a distinctive approach to the wine industry. Our medical backgrounds inspire us to prioritize health and quality. We use our platform to educate our customers, sharing knowledge about certain medical practices within our respective specialties, urologic surgery and obstetrics/gynecology. Earlier this year, we were featured on a live forum that allowed us to bridge wine and important health care topics that are essential for our respective specialties. We plan on continuing to highlight important health care topics in the future.
In the wine industry, less than 1% of wineries are black-owned and an even smaller percentage are female-owned. We strive to highlight the contributions and stories of black women in the wine industry, a group that is often underrepresented. This not only differentiates our brand but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment among our customers. One memorable instance was at a recent wine festival that focused on and celebrated numerous successful black brands in the industry. At the event, a customer expressed appreciation for our educational approach, sharing how it deepened her understanding of wine and inspired her to explore the industry further. This feedback reinforces our belief in the power of education and representation, and it drives us to continue making a positive impact through our work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Our journey into the wine industry began with a shared love for wine, a celebration of friendship and a desire to create a brand that reflects our values. As physicians during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant amount of fear and uncertainty in the field of medicine. Stress levels were high as our profession required constant interaction with patients affected with the disease. To cope with these stressors, we began exploring the passions in our lives that brought us joy. This, ultimately, led us to the wine industry. We believe that wine is a way to connect with others, celebrate diversity, and appreciate the finer details of life.
The most important factor behind the success of The Danati Collection is that we prioritize self-care. During the pandemic, a common ritual upon coming home after a long and stressful day included enjoying a glass of wine, tuning in to our favorite music, and lighting a candle to set a relaxing tone. This was vital for our well-being. This experience emphasized the significance of creating our wine brand, as we aimed to provide others with the same sense of comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation during challenging times. As such, our brand has not only produced wine but also premium coconut wax candles with aromas that correspond with our wine types. Furthermore, our wine bottles include a QR code that takes consumers to a playlist we curated for their listening pleasure.
For potential clients and followers, we want you to know that The Danati Collection is more than just a wine brand. It’s a celebration of diversity and a platform for education and empowerment. We invite you to join us on this journey, enjoy our wines, and be part of a community that values excellence and good health!

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Fornati and I first crossed paths during freshman orientation week at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Amid the excitement of starting college, we quickly discovered a shared passion for medicine, culture, and community.
Our friendship blossomed over the years, as we navigated the challenges and joys of our academic journeys together. Our shared values and experiences laid a strong foundation that would eventually lead to the creation of The Danati Collection. The bond we formed during undergrad has been a constant source of support and inspiration, helping us to create a brand that reflects both our personal and professional journeys. Even while attending medical schools in different states, we still leaned on each other for encouragement and guidance, which ultimately contributed to our success today.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One significant challenge for us was navigating the complex legal landscape of the wine industry, which required us to understand and comply with various regulations. This was a steep learning curve, given our primarily medical backgrounds. Despite these challenges, we remained committed to our vision, dedicating countless hours to research and seeking expert guidance.
Our resilience was further tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and created additional obstacles. However, these difficulties strengthened our resolve. We used this time to refine our brand, deepen our understanding of the industry, and develop a more robust business plan.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedanticollection.com
• Instagram: The Danati Collection
• Facebook: The Danati Collection

Image Credits

Credit to Sheldon Botler- only for photo of wine bottle
Other photos are by Fornati Bedell and Dania Joseph