Samantha Capaldi is the Owner and Sommelier at Samantha Sommelier, offering wine tastings that are personally designed to be a fun and approachable way to enjoy, drink, and learn about wine, all from the comfort of your own home. At just 24 years old, Samantha’s passion and ambition to start her own business is inspiring and motivating! Learn more about Samantha…
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
First job: I was a movie theater usher, ha! Definitely not the worst first job in high school to have! I got to discuss movies and even watch a few while working there which made cleaning up popcorn and sticky floors not too terrible.
Favorite AZ restaurant: This is a tough one… there are so many amazing places to eat in AZ! One of my favorites is actually in Flagstaff, Shift Kitchen and Bar. My boyfriend and I eat dinner here every time we visit flag in the winter and has become a special tradition for us. We are always so well taken care of and are never disappointed with the current menu options. Best pork belly that I have had hands down not to mention yummy cocktails that warm you up!
Person who has impacted your life the most: Definitely my grandmother. She has not only helped form me into the woman that I am today but has raised her own 9 children all while managing a career. Amazing. She inspires me to be the best human that I can be everyday.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: My biggest accomplishment is definitely passing my certified sommelier exam. After quitting my stable job to study for the sommelier exam I didn’t know what my future would hold. I was the youngest and most inexperienced person in the program I did and everyday I had to work twice as hard as everyone else in my class. I spent everyday studying knowing that there is a possibility after three intensive months there would be a good chance I wouldn’t pass the exam my first time around. After hearing my name be announced that I had passed was one of the best feelings I have ever felt and is one of my main reasons I work as hard as I do to make my business a reality.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: The biggest obstacle I have overcome and still working on overcoming to this day is being confident in myself and not letting my insecurities take over. I grew up not being confident in myself and what I am capable of and I am trying my best everyday to keep believing that I can make things happen for myself and not worry about what anyone says or thinks.
Someone who inspires you: To be honest, all the women entrepreneurs in Scottsdale that I have been privileged to connect with since starting my business have been a huge inspiration to me and amazing support system, but the person who has inspired me since day one is definitely my big sis, Jessica. She has been given many reasons to be pushed back from achieving her goals, but no matter what she always comes through with keeping up with what she is passionate about.
Favorite quote: “Build someone up, put their insecurities to sleep, remind them they’re worthy. Tell them they’re magical. Be light in a too often dim world.”
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I definitely would say experience is going to help you in the wine industry more than anything. The more you can get out and try new wines, blind taste, work in a restaurant, wine tasting room, or retail shop, the more you are going to be able to get hands on experience with learning about wine. Make connections and learn from people who have been working with wine for years, that is how I learn new things everyday. The wine industry is definitely intimating and constantly evolving which is why it’s so fun yet challenging. It’s important you put yourself out there and to not be afraid to ask as many questions as you can!
What makes someone fabulous: I think what makes someone fabulous above everything else is having a kind and humble heart. Anyone can go out and achieve their goals and be successful in their industry, but not everyone can remain kind and humble while doing it. It’s important to be your own biggest supporter but it is also important to help those around you. I am a firm believer in that the only person you should be competing against in this life is yourself. I think we all need to cheer on each other and it would make achieving our best lives a lot more fabulous!
