Everything Danica Patrick does is pretty intense, which is also the name of her book and esteemed podcast. A top athlete in her field, not to mention the first woman to rule in her male-dominated sport, Danica approaches every aspect of life in the fast lane.
Our magazine owner Nadine Bubeck scored a one-on-one with the boss babe on her avenues of entrepreneurial endeavors and her ever-evolving straightaways to success.
Before we dive into the business side of you, let’s reflect on your racing days. What goes through your head circling the track?
Not much. You're super present in the moment. You're taking it all in and letting your instinct take over. You’re feeling the car and you're watching the cars around you.
So you’re not singing songs in your head?
Rarely. I remember one time in Michigan; it was a long track with a long straightaway, and I had a Miley Cyrus song stuck in my mind. I was like, ‘Oh, Danica, this isn't helping anything; it's fun, but not helping.’
You’re one of the most successful women in the history of American open-wheel car racing; what was it like transitioning out of racing?
The parts of racing I loved most was this ability to do better than the year before and have that potential and hope. I love the progress of any given journey. And so, I let fate and the universe handle my transition out of racing and learned the lesson of letting go of something instead of feeling like it was me quitting. I'm good with change.
We’ll dive into your many businesses, but any new ideas on the horizon?
I think my newest thought is a billion-dollar idea.
Most people aren’t great at driving; people are terrible on the road, and it's annoying. So, my solution is to start a driving school, because the reason why I'm good at driving on the regular road is because I have a large comfort zone from the racetrack.
I'm pretty sure that whoever invented the curriculum for driving on the road probably wasn't a racecar driver, so if you had the option of a regular driving curriculum or Danica Patrick's curriculum, I’d assume you’d go with mine.
Good idea. Did you create your wine company for parents with kids just learning how to drive? Because that can be stressful...
Haha. Well, obviously I created my own wine because I like drinking wine. My vineyard property has quality soil, good exposure, it’s in a good area with the right rootstock and right farmers. As the proprietor, I had the vision and brought the right people on board to make magic happen.
Somnium Wine, my Napa Valley cab, is good quality every year. It’s natural, without using purple concentrate; farmed and organic, with very low sulfite.
What's your favorite food to pair with Danica Rosé?
I think everything goes with rosé.
Touche'. Tell us about VOYANT by Danica, your home scent collection.
Our sense of smell is directly connected to the most primitive part of the brain, thought to be the seat of emotion. That is why we can be triggered unconsciously by a scent.
Our candles are unique with subtle influence. For example, when I went to Egypt, I came home with many bottles of different scents like sandalwood, amber rose and musk. That trip, along with my wellness journey, has impacted the evolution of this business.
I thought it would be fun to curate candles for different areas of the house; for example, there's a fresh scent for the laundry room, and a dreamy scent for bedrooms.
You’re also an author of Pretty Intense:The 90-Day Mind, Body and Food Plan that will absolutely Change Your Life, but I want to talk about your podcast because it seems that's where you're focusing a lot of time and energy, especially on social media.
On my podcast, we cover spirituality, science, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, the nature of reality, health in the form of workouts, food, and psychology... plus, inspirational stories. I enjoy learning, so some of my favorite interviews involve talking about aliens and ancient civilizations.
To me, knowledge plays a major role in health and wellness, allowing you to decipher the nature of reality and how to live your best life.
What do you love about living in the Valley?
I love the weather. I love that everything comes through Phoenix; every tour, every speaker, every artist, comedian, you name it- there's plenty of entertainment. I love that we’re not too far to the beach, you can get to the mountains, you can go to Sedona. Most importantly, it’s where my friends are. I’m a big fan of Zinc Bistro and True Foods. I love alone time, taking walks and listening to music.
What’s on your playlist?
I love country - Zach Bryan- and anything chill.
Somehow you still find the time to do motorsports commentating, which is probably fulfilling.
Yes. It allows me to stay more connected to my fans. I guess it's an easy thing for me to lend my experience.
Anything you want to share about your experience with Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
It was a multi-year health journey that was extremely painful. I asked my mom if I should share my story, and she was like, ‘Well, you're probably going to post about it anyway’ ...and she was right. I'm good at hitting send when I'm not ready.
To be honest, that is the definition of real vulnerability; when you share something you're not sure you're ready to share. And those are the times that I developed the most amount of traction and connection to fans, and such transparency resonates.
You’re 41 and you say you're living to 120; in other words, your life is just starting. What next?
My interest right now is helping uncover the truth about life.
What do you seek in a partner?
I am single dating right now. I need someone that can keep their confidence up with me because I'm a lot and I do a lot- especially for a potential partner. I’m a caregiver and go above and beyond for people I love, and who love me. I like to think into the future. I like to travel. I love to cook for people. I like to drink the best wine and eat the best food.
I'm a lot. Somebody's got to be able to handle that.
What would you tell your younger self?
I'd probably just end up saying it's going to be a lot of fun, you know?
Follow on Instagram: @danicapatrick, @somniumwine, @danicarosewine, @voyantbydanica
The Valley's Very Own, Danica Patrick
As a racecar driver, Danica Patrick broke barriers and set records with her on-track performance. With her racing career behind her, Danica looks to her next chapter as she focuses on her passions: good food, great wine, fitness and helping others achieve their goals.
Now, retired from racing, Danica’s focus has shifted to her role as an entrepreneur and business owner. Danica authored a book Pretty Intense, and is the sole proprietor of Somnium, a vineyard in Napa Valley, California. In addition to these passion projects, she has a candle company and podcast, in addition to constantly brewing a gamut of fresh, bright ideas.
When asked to describe her inner fire to continue creating and evolving, Danica reflects on her childhood.
"I grew up with very entrepreneurial parents. They started many companies, like a glass business and coffee shop. My parents worked hard to support me and my sister. It’s in my modeling to just do things myself. When I see something that's missing, my first instinct is to find a solution by starting a company."
"What don't people know about me? I’m really into cooking, ancient civilization, spirituality, the nature of reality, quantum physics, and psychology." - Danica Patrick
