Arizona native, wife and boy mom Dani Engelking reflects on the leap that led to Gratefulist Vodka, and why the people around the table matter most.
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in a big Irish-Italian family where gathering wasn’t reserved for special occasions. It was simply how we did life. There was food, storytelling, opinions, and laughter.
It taught me that the table matters; it's where stories get told, relationships deepen, and disagreements eventually turn back into laughter.
Did you always expect to become an entrepreneur?
My dad worked in startups, and my grandfather was an inventor, so I grew up watching ideas become something real.
But becoming the founder of a vodka brand? Shocker!
There is something powerful about reaching a point in your life when you stop asking, “Could I do this?” and start asking, “Why wouldn’t I?”
Why build a spirits brand around gratitude?
Gratitude changes the experience without requiring the circumstances to be perfect. It doesn’t mean pretending life is always easy. It means recognizing what is good even when life is complicated.
Gratefulist is about saying, “I see this moment. I see these people. I’m grateful I get to be here.”
What distinguishes Gratefulist in the glass?
The story only works if the vodka is genuinely great.
Gratefulist is crafted from 100% American corn and distilled locally, creating an exceptionally smooth, clean taste that is equally enjoyable on its own or in a cocktail.
The mission may introduce someone to Gratefulist, but the quality needs to make them order a second one.
What does “Never pour your own drink” mean?
It captures Gratefulist in four words.
Of course, it’s playful. You should always have someone nearby willing to top off your glass! But the deeper meaning is about taking care of one another.
Notice when someone’s glass is empty. Invite the person standing outside the circle in. Celebrate someone else’s win. Check on the friend who has gone quiet.
What's next?
Arizona is home, and I want our community to feel part of building Gratefulist from the beginning.
Ultimately, I want Gratefulist to become a nationally recognized lifestyle and spirits brand known as much for what it makes people feel as for what we put in the bottle.
gratefulistvodka.com