Smashing that glasshouse. Food Network + more
WHAT A MONTH.
Hello, this month just I (Skyler) will be speaking. To be honest, I have too much to say for one email, so I'll share just a portion.
This month has evoked so many emotions: anger, sorrow, anxiety, joy, strength. I came to the realization that I was the only black female olive oil producer that I knew of. I went on a search to find other black women in this space and found just two. One in South Africa, the other Kelis (yes, the singer) in California.
So now we are three. I've always known this industry is dated, stagnant, and very white. But I drew comfort by participating in events with diverse makers and creatives. In addition, Giuseppe and I straddle two countries: Italy and the U.S., and racism exists very differently in both places.
In Italy, there are more women in the olive oil industry, but they aren't out in the groves like I am. The confused looks I get at the press during fall harvest by the men are extremely entertaining. They can't figure out 1. why there's a Black American woman harvesting/pressing olives 2. how I know everyone at the press.
When they finally ask me or Giuseppe 'what are you doing?' they're shocked to find out I co-own a Calabrian olive oil company, speak Italian, and sell our products in the U.S. This is usually followed by them calling me 'a true old-fashioned Calabrian woman', a compliment I'm very proud of. Back when the men were away fighting in the war the women had to continue farming, not only to ensure their family had food, but it was a source of income.
I would like to add that when I'm in Calabria I gain privilege because I'm American and want to bring attention to Calabrian products. Because of this, I get so much help and support.
In the agriculture and grocery industry in the U.S. I've been ignored by buyers, having to use my husband's email or make him do wholesale calls so we can get meetings with buyers. I didn't realize it at the time but this is what pushed me to transfer our business to solely e-commerce. By selling our oils directly to customers I can tell my part of the story and the narrative isn't monopolized. Does this sound crazy? It is, but sadly true.
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Cleaning Up Our Industry
These past few weeks we've become aware of injustices in our industry. I would like to bring attention to several of those individuals who I greatly admire and continue to support:
Kristina Gill, co-author of Tasting Rome
Ryan Walker, assistant to (former) Editor of Chief of Bon Appètit
Sohla El-Waylly, assistant editor at Bon Appètit
Thank you for sharing your stories.
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What's Next?
It's time for Black-owned food businesses to occupy more space on grocery shelves. It's time for equality in the food and agriculture industry. I'm bulldozing the entire glasshouse and pulling all of the young Black women who want to enter this industry with me. Olive oil and wine have been inaccessible for many Black people for far too long.
This fall we'll be introducing some new products, one of them being a 3L tank of extra virgin olive oil (finally, right?!). The label will be designed by a Black female artist. There's more to come!!
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Features & Press
Since the beginning of June we've been featured in:
Food Network, Chow Hound, Austin Monthly, Best Life, Lauren Conrad, Cherry Bombe, Alison Roman, & more.
Your reshares on social media made this happen. I'm so grateful, it's a dream come true. There's more to come and I can't wait to share with you!
THANK YOU.
If you're interested in supporting other Black-owned businesses the links above have some really incredible products. We've become friends with quite a few of the brands which is really incredible! This community is growing.
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EXAU Oils
All oils are back in stock! We sold out of the Excelsis membership 5x and the Magno Valde membership 1x. We shifted some inventory so memberships are back in stock. This will be the LAST restock of memberships until December/January! Shop all oils here.
Thank You
Again, I want to thank you for your support. Your emails, DM's, and comments mean so much!
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more.
Take care,
-Skyler, Co-founder