Meet Fornati Bedell and Dania Joseph | Physicians & Founders of The Danati Collection

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fornati Bedell and Dania Joseph and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fornati and Dania, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The decision to create The Danati Collection stemmed from a shared passion for wine and a desire to create something meaningful. 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 recognized the importance of balance and self-care in our lives and thought producing wine would be a very gratifying experience. We wanted to not only share exceptional wines but also promote diversity and inclusion within the industry. With careful planning and a clear vision, we embarked on this exciting journey, driven by the belief that we could make a positive impact while simultaneously pursuing our passion.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

One of the things that sets us apart from others is that The Danati Collection places such an emphasis on prioritizing 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 and joyous 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.

Though we have had a lot of success with our business thus far, this has been a humbling experience that we continue to grow from. One aspect of the wine industry that outsiders may not fully grasp is the intricate process of winemaking, i.e., from the vine to the bottle. Beyond the final product, there’s an art and science involved in grape cultivation, fermentation, blending, and aging. We recognized that we couldn’t navigate the wine industry alone. We sought guidance from experienced professionals and cultivated relationships with retailers and fellow enthusiasts. This collaborative approach has been essential in helping us establish credibility and expanding our reach from LA to the DMV area.

Ultimately, when the world thinks about The Danati Collection, we want them to remember that women can excel in whichever avenue they choose to enter. We can thrive as physicians, entrepreneurs, mothers, wives, and caretakers while prioritizing self-care and well-being. Ultimately, we want to leave behind a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and the unwavering belief that women can indeed do it all and have fun while doing it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If one of our best friends was visiting the area, our itinerary for the week would have to include the following: 1) A hike at Los Liones Trail for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean
2) Brunch at Post and Beam in South LA for a delicious brunch that features modern Southern cuisine
3) Catching a show at Hollywood Bowl as it is known for it’s world-class performances
4) Dinner and drinks at 1010 Wine and Events in Inglewood as this establishment has the largest collection of Black-owned wines in California

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We want to dedicate our shoutout to our mothers, both strong women who have been unwavering pillars of support and inspiration throughout our lives. Both immigrants from Haiti and Liberia, they exemplify resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Their sacrifices and unconditional love have shaped us into the women we are today. We are forever grateful for their belief in us.

Website: www.thedanaticollection.com

Instagram: @thedanaticollection

Facebook: The Danati Collection

Image Credits
Sheldon Botler