In this solo episode, JJ breaks down how to move through the powerful momentum of the Fire Horse year without burnout by focusing on just three aligned priorities. Rather than getting swept up in urgency, overcommitment, or scattered action, she shares how to use this high-energy cycle for sustainable expansion through identity, intentional creation, and body-led balance. This conversation is your reminder that success this year comes from congruence, not doing more. If you're ready for guided support, join JJ's free 14-Day Manifestation Challenge starting April 1st at JJFlizanes.com/14day, and download her Metabolic Makeover program (a $500 value) completely free at JJFlizanes.com/mm using the code JJFREE.

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—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America.

• Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's 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—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling 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 "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and 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—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand.

• Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including 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—because tasting creates appreciation and connection.

• Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients.

• Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's 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—popular in December—and 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 "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service.

• Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message.

• 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 "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March.

• 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 "a taste of Italy" home.

In this episode of West Coast Women Rising, JJ sits down with photographer Leigha Smith to talk about building a creative business with both artistry and strategy. Leigha shares her journey from managing her husband's social media to stepping into her own identity as a sought-after headshot, branding, and family photographer.

They unpack what it really looks like to create a "year-long content gallery" in a single shoot—planning locations, outfits, and image variety so entrepreneurs can show (not tell) their brand online. Leigha also talks networking with intention, early client-getting strategies (Facebook groups, collaborations, pop-up headshot events), and why authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI images.

Plus, Leigha previews her 2026 goals, including a new collaboration called The Archetype Approach (leadership + style + photography) and expanding into larger corporate branding packages.

Topics Covered

• How Leigha found photography through composition + creativity

• Branding photos that support your content for the entire year

• The difference between "headshots" and true "brand storytelling"

• Networking as community (not desperation marketing)

• AI photos vs. real connection and trust

• 2026 plans: The Archetype Approach + corporate rebrands

Guest Info
Leigha Smith Photography http://leighasmithphotography.com (headshots • branding • family)
Find Leigha on Instagram/Facebook