Lindsay DiDonna

As a young business owner, the challenge that keeps me up at night is scaling Ornery Olive responsibly while continuing to innovate and grow. Operating at a higher level, staying relevant, and securing the capital needed to scale requires constant strategy and intention.

Access to funding is a real challenge, but I’ve turned it into an opportunity to get creative. I’ve invested heavily in my own education, sought mentorship, and put significant personal resources into the business because I believe deeply in the vision I’m building. I’m currently working on branding projects for 2026 that will elevate the entire business, and I’m actively pursuing my goal of opening a storefront—a need I clearly see here in Denver.

This challenge doesn’t intimidate me; it fuels me. It pushes me to be more resourceful, more creative, and more determined. I know exactly where I’m headed, and I’m building the foundation to get there—one strategic move at a time.

If you could go back to the beginning, what’s something you would do differently?

If I could go back, I would move faster, take more risks, and be more decisive. Early on, I spent too much time overthinking, perfecting details, and waiting for the “right” moment—whether it was launching a new service, investing in branding, or reaching out to bigger clients.

Looking back, some of my biggest growth came from taking action before I felt completely ready. I would tell myself to trust my instincts sooner, say yes to bold opportunities, and invest in the business earlier and more aggressively. Every moment spent hesitating was a moment I could have been learning and growing.

That said, I don’t regret the journey. Every decision taught me something valuable. But if I could do it again, I’d skip the hesitation and lean into momentum from day one. Being decisive doesn’t mean being reckless—it means believing in your vision and adjusting as you go.

What values guide the way you lead, create, or do business?

The values that guide everything I do are excellence, creating experiences, and constant improvement. Excellence isn’t just about making a beautiful charcuterie board—it’s about every touchpoint with a client, from the first conversation to the final delivery.

I also believe deeply in creating experiences, not just products. When someone orders from Ornery Olive, they’re not just getting food—they’re getting a moment that brings people together, whether it’s a corporate event or an intimate celebration.

Finally, constant improvement drives me. I’m always learning, refining my craft, seeking feedback, and looking for ways to grow. I never settle for “good enough” because I know there’s always another level to reach. These values keep me grounded and push me to build a business I’m truly proud of.

How do you hope your work and story will inspire the next generation of women and girls?

I hope my story inspires young women to embrace resilience and take action. Life doesn’t always go according to plan—I learned that firsthand when I was laid off—but setbacks don’t define you. How you respond to them does.

I want women and girls to know they have the power to create their own opportunities, even when circumstances feel uncertain. Taking action—even imperfect action—is always better than waiting for the perfect moment. My journey shows that you don’t need permission to chase your dreams, and your worth isn’t tied to a title or someone else’s approval.

If my story inspires even one woman to bet on herself, take the leap, and trust that she’s capable of more than she imagines, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

What’s one ritual or habit that keeps you focused and feeling like yourself?

My AM and PM routines are non-negotiables, paired with my commitment to executing on a “168”—scheduling all 168 hours in a week to stay aligned with my priorities. I wake up at 4am every morning, and that time is sacred. It’s when I care for myself and set the tone for the day before any demands begin.

My PM routine is just as important. I prepare for the next day by checking my calendar, packing the car, and setting myself up for success. I firmly believe that how you manage your time determines what you’re able to achieve.

Scheduling my 168 hours keeps me accountable and ensures I’m prioritizing what truly matters—whether that’s growing Ornery Olive or being present for my daughter. These routines keep me grounded, focused, and aligned with the life and business I’m intentionally building.

Lindsay DiDonna is the founder and creative director of Ornery Olive Charcuterie Co., a Highlands Ranch, Colorado business that transforms curated charcuterie into unforgettable social dining experiences.

Reprints of Boss Babes Magazine with Lindsay DiDonna on the cover are available from our on-demand print vendor.