Oprah's Favorite Things 2023

We made the list... AGAIN.

2020: The first time

It started back in 2020….

• We moved to a new state

• The pandemic hit

• All of our events were canceled

The future was looking uncertain, but all we could do was keep working and hold on tight. And we did.

We posted video after video. Shared recipes. Started getting featured in major publications. Traction really started to pick up.

One day on a walk I said to Giuseppe half-jokingly, “What if we got on Oprah’s Favorite Things? Can you imagine if she tried EXAU? Ha!”. Ever the optimist he responded with a simple, “Why not?”.

Then we got wind we were going to be featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things 2020.

When we were done picking our jaws up off the floor we scrambled to make things work. It was a little messy and pretty stressful. But most importantly, lessons were learned and delicious olive oil was sold!!

We had the opportunity of a lifetime and we gave it our all.

And by the end, we thought, “Well, that was a hell of a ride. I’m not completely sure I could do that again. But I’m sure glad it happened.”

*Spoiler alert: It did in fact happen again… and it’s way more fun the 2nd time*

2023: The second time

This time around it started with us feeling settled…

• Gearing up for our 7th (!!!) harvest

• Writing to thousands of newsletter subscribers

• Thinking about fun gift sets for the holidays

We felt more established and the future was looking pretty good. Since 2020 we’ve planted over 300 new olive trees. And we just published our first book in August.

But we still remember the day. We were standing on the rocks, about to jump into the gloriousness that is the Ionian sea AKA our backyard. Giuseppe and I looked at each other and I asked, “Can you imagine if we made Oprah’s Favorite Things again?! I wonder if any brands have been on the list twice”. He responded, “I think it would be nice to get a second chance”. Then we dove in head first…

One day were minding our own business. Drinking a glass of wine and laughing with friends.

Then we got wind we were going to be featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things. Again.

This time our jaws didn’t quite hit the floor. Instead, we had a toast and then quickly jumped into high gear. We knew what to do. We’d done this dance before. We were prepared.

There’s something so satisfying and beautiful about overcoming the challenges and fears within one’s professional and personal life. And Oprah’s Favorite Things has been a key moment that has allowed us to test and then break through those limits.

We are grateful. We are honored. We are overjoyed to share this moment with you, our incredible customers and loyal readers. Here’s to another holiday filled with delicious EVOO.

Due2 Gift Set Details

Give the gift of delicious olive oil to your friends, family, colleagues, or yourself!

This gift set includes:

• 1 bottle Lina (500ml/16.9 fl oz)

• 1 bottle Turi (500ml/16.9 fl oz)

• Each bottle wrapped in custom EXAU tissue paper

• Custom white EXAU boxes

• Box filled with crinkle paper

• Custom FAQ card

The recipient will experience the joy of unwrapping a present once this arrives on their doorstep!

skylermapes

A post shared by @skylermapes

Until next time.

Xx

-Skyler & Giuseppe, Founders of EXAU Olive Oil & Authors of The Olive Oil Enthusiast