Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Caroen Larocca
Hi Wendy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Several years ago, my husband thought he wanted to retire. However, not being old enough to simply sit and stare at each other, I knew we had to find something to do. After lots of contemplation and prayer, we came up with the idea of bringing olive oil and balsamic vinegar to our community.
As self-proclaimed foodies, we always sought out little shops like ours when traveling and had already fallen in love with these wonderful products. Our passion, paired with thorough research, led us to an amazing supplier, and we set out to bring great flavor to our community.
Having the store quickly became a family affair. When we purchased an existing olive oil store to become our second location, our son, fresh from his college graduation, joined us to manage the DeLand location. Meanwhile, my husband took on the day-to-day operations of our Ormond Beach location.
But soon, my husband realized that retail wasn’t his calling. With grace and a smile, he returned to his previous career, though this time with a different company. Still, his heart remained with the store, and he happily helps during special events.
Our journey into this business has been one of passion, learning, and family. What started as a dream has grown into a labor of love, and we are grateful to share it with our wonderful community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening a new store came with its share of frustrations, particularly when dealing with uncooperative city inspectors and unreliable contractors. Delays became the norm as we encountered unclear requirements, and last-minute changes from the city, slowing our progress. On top of that, we faced issues with less than honest contractors.
Purchasing a second location brought exciting opportunities, but it also came with its own set of challenges. Managing inventory across two stores quickly became a learning curve, as we worked to balance stock, prevent shortages, and avoid over-ordering. Staffing was another hurdle, from hiring and training new team members to ensuring both locations provided the same level of service our customers expect. Coordinating schedules and managing payroll for a larger team added to the complexity. Additionally, advertising for two locations required more effort and resources, as we worked to reach different customer bases while maintaining a consistent brand message. Despite the challenges, expanding taught us how to streamline operations, improve communication, and grow our business with confidence.
Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic as a small business was an incredibly challenging experience. Practically overnight, we faced sudden closures, supply chain disruptions, and a sharp decline in foot traffic. Adapting to new safety protocols while trying to maintain customer service added pressure, and the uncertainty of changing regulations made planning nearly impossible. We had to quickly pivot to online sales and curbside pickup just to stay connected with our customers. Financial strain from reduced revenue, coupled with the emotional toll of supporting our staff and community, tested our resilience daily. Despite the hardships, the experience taught us the importance of adaptability, creativity, and the value of loyal customers who stood by us through uncertain times.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a locally owned tasting store specializing in ultra-premium extra-virgin olive oils and flavor-infused balsamic vinegars. With our flagship location in DeLand, Florida, and a robust online store, we proudly offer over 30 varieties of the freshest extra-virgin olive oils and more than 35 artisanal balsamic vinegars imported from Italy.
What sets us apart is our dedication to quality and transparency. We source our olive oils from around the world, adhering to Northern and Southern Hemisphere crush cycles to ensure you receive the freshest oils within weeks of harvest. Our oils aren’t just delicious—they’re backed by science. We provide detailed chemistry profiles, including Biophenol (antioxidant) value, Free Fatty Acids, Oleic Acid, Peroxide value, PPP, and DAGs, so you can taste and trust the difference.
At The Anointed Olive, we are passionate about education and culinary exploration. Our team loves guiding customers beyond the basics—showing you how to use our oils and vinegars to transform everyday meals into extraordinary dishes. Whether you’re drizzling Persian Lime Olive Oil over fresh seafood or pairing Black Mission Fig Balsamic with your favorite cheeses, we’re here to inspire your culinary creativity.
What we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built and the relationships we’ve formed. Our loyal customers return not only for our premium products but for the personal experience, knowledgeable service, and warm hospitality we provide.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Some days, it’s my sheer determination that keeps me going—but more often, it’s my faith. Faith in God, faith in my community, and faith in my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shop.theanointedolivellc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanointedolive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theanointedolive
