Ellison Wofford, Bella Oaks

Job Title: Director of Business Development - Trade Sales
Location: Napa Valley, California

What's your background, and how long have you been in the beverage industry?
I just realized I have to use my fingers and toes to count now that I’ve been in the wine industry for 11 years! I moved directly to Napa from South Carolina after graduating from the Honors College of Charleston to join a lending team with Silicon Valley Bank’s Wine Division in 2014. In 2017, I became the General Manager of RAEN Winery and absolutely loved that journey. That led me to my new, current chapter at Bella Oaks. Also, over the course of the past decade, I studied to become a 500-hour certified yoga teacher and have a love for crystal bowls and offering musical sound bath experiences.

What are the top three challenges to maintaining your well-being in your work? 
1. Rich food and wine = awful acid reflux!
2. Unfortunately, I'm extremely sensitive to alcohol and a lot of alcohol or frequent consumption negatively impacts my brain chemistry. I get stuck in a depressed mental state and have more anxiety with brain fog; the brow-beating I give myself certainly doesn't help. I've come up against #1 and #2 many times over the past decade due to events, market work, and entertaining collectors. It's all fun, and I wish I could enjoy it without all the physical and mental repercussions!
3. My ability to concentrate and focus for long periods of time has been compromised by high-volume emails, fast-paced communication, and constantly having to switch trains of thought throughout the day! This was especially true when I was GM of RAEN and had many responsibilities and hats to wear. At the end of the day, I often feel scattered, overwhelmed, and unproductive, even though I've worked long hours. 
I also struggle with attaching my self-worth to my productivity/output, which I've been working on changing!

What are 3 things you do (or try to do) to maintain your well-being?
1. I walk around my neighborhood every morning/evening—sometimes, it's the loveliest part of my day. It offers a perspective on what really matters, slowing down, and a connection with nature. I enjoy watching trees and flowers change slowly with the seasons and seeing the progression of the moon phases.
2. Read books! Even if they're mindless "beach reads," they're better than TV and screen time. I also find that reading really calms, and deepens my breathing.
3. Limit my time on Instagram and avoid comparing myself, my body, and my life to images I see on social media! Because it's such a thief of joy.

What other beverages do you drink when you're not drinking alcohol?
Black coffee, kombucha, and Copenhagen Sparkling Tea!

What would people be surprised to know about you? 
I still sleep with my stuffed animal Bee - spoiler alert, he's a bee - who was given to me the day I was born.

What are you looking forward to?
Having more self-confidence and self-love as I get older. I thought that'd magically happen once I reached my 30s, but three years in, it still hasn't. So, I still have a lot of work to do in both of those departments.

What's your weirdest wellness hack?
My walking treadmill at my standing desk keeps me moving when I'd otherwise be stationary and desk-bound, and I've built up some impressive coordination skills (I haven't fallen yet).

What inspires you on your journey in the beverage industry?
I'm realizing more and more that these two sides of myself—the "yogi" wellness nut and the foodie, wine geek—do NOT have to be mutually exclusive. I'm far from alone in my desire to bridge the gap between these two worlds, and can feel better while doing it! It's like realizing you can have your cake and eat it, too (you can enjoy pairing your wellness with your wine!).

What is a quote that you love?
"We're all just walking each other home" - Ram Dass 
"Be less impressed, and more involved" - Matthew McConaughey

You can connect with Ellison on Instagram at @ellyb35