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1. Get it started, then get it right…
Dreaming of something is one thing, but taking action is quite another. It took me more than 15 years to gather the skills, strength and courage to start Venissimo Cheese. And when I did, it sure wasn’t perfect. But the sheer adventure of building something from scratch was the most incredible experience of my life. Of course I love what we have become (we’re continually striving to get it right). But I truly treasure the memories and exhilaration of getting there. Wouldn’t you rather lie on your death bed thinking, “I’m glad I tried that,” versus thinking, “I wish I would’ve…?” The main thing separating someone like Richard Branson from oodles of other charismatic, smart folks is simply getting started.

2. Learn to say yes, unlearn to say don’t…
I wish I would’ve said yes more often! It seems we’re programmed to say no – it tends to be the safe answer. But by saying yes, it opens us up to different perspectives, different ideas, different directions. It teaches us there is rarely a “right” way to be or to do things, jut different ways. And don’t get me started on the word don’t: don’t touch that, don’t cross here, don’t dream silly dreams. Kudos to every visionary, inventor and explorer who didn’t listen to the don’ts!

3. Enjoy the journey – it’s often better than the destination… 
Why is that? Sure, there’s a pride involved with getting there / achieving your goal / reaching the top. But so often, it doesn’t quite meet the expectations and then it’s over. I think back to my wedding day. I planned for six months and it was all over in six hours. Looking back, some of my fondest memories are of those six months. That’s where I made friends, made discoveries and made memories.

4. Believe in yourself always…
Nobody knows you better than yourself. And just because the majority might do something one way doesn’t make it the only way. Stand up for your beliefs and dreams. You want to stay single? OK. You don’t want to have children? OK. You like mustard on your cheerios? OK. You want to start a business selling only cheese? OK. It’s your life – you be the captain.

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After visiting her parents’ home in Austria while growing up, Gina often wondered why America didn’t have fabulous European-style cheese shops. Hence, Venissimo Cheese was born. In 2003 Gina opened the first Venissimo Cheese in Mission Hills, intending to do for cheese what Starbucks did for coffee. Since then, she has opened neighborhood shops in Del Mar, Belmont Shore & Downtown East Village San Diego. Soon the camembert will be as well-known as the cappuccino!

Gina has compiled a knowledge-base of more than 2000 domestic and international cheese varieties! (Incidentally, she has tasted nearly all of them.) She can tell you the type of milk, country of origin, production methods, and perfect wine and food pairings for each one.

Over the years while visiting both domestic and international cheesemakers in her quest for the worthy title of “Cheese Wiz,” she learned elegant simplicity. Nothing is more simple and elegant than wine & cheese.

Gina is a member of the American Cheese Society and teaches classes all over San Diego. She has written articles for various trade publications and is working on a screenplay plus the country’s first cheese television program.

For more information, please visit venissimo.com

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Some times just a single word is enough to change your life. Thanks for this article I was confused but now I know what I want. Among the best stuff I have read so far

  2. Awesome Gina. That is how I have been living for the past 4 years. I say yes, way more then no. I have a life I never had dreamed of. I have my goals, and my awesome friends.I am taking action in my life.I like your inspiration.
    Lots of Love.

  3. Awesome Beautiful it was flying from the first word. The first paragraph was Marvellous it doesn’t mean the rest of them were any less. so I put the beautiful words of first paragraph Blessings.

    Dreaming of something is one thing, but taking action is quite another. It took me more than 15 years to gather the skills, strength and courage to start Venissimo Cheese. And when I did, it sure wasn’t perfect. But the sheer adventure of building something from scratch was the most incredible experience of my life. Of course I love what we have become (we’re continually striving to get it right). But I truly treasure the memories and exhilaration of getting there. Wouldn’t you rather lie on your death bed thinking, “I’m glad I tried that,” versus thinking, “I wish I would’ve…?” The main thing separating someone like Richard Branson from oodles of other charismatic, smart folks is simply getting started.

  4. Hmmm the reason I am overwhelmed with far too much to cope with is that I cannot say no

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