Dana Gurela: Pouring Passion, Planting Deep Roots
When Dana Gurela discovered the world of wine, it wasn’t just about what was in the glass. It was the stories, the people, and the sense of community that drew her in. That’s exactly what Dana Gurela set out to create when she opened Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room in Roswell in July 2018.
Dana’s journey into the wine industry didn’t follow a straight path. Her early career was rooted in purchasing and inventory management for manufacturing companies, but everything shifted when she moved to California in 2012. With wine country just down the road, Dana found herself spending more and more time exploring vineyards and tasting rooms. “I began to realize that I had a real interest in the whole process…the viticulture, winemaking and overall business of the wine industry was all very fascinating to me!” she says. By 2015, she enrolled at Napa Valley Wine Academy and San Francisco Wine School, building a foundation of knowledge while also working as a hospitality associate in a Napa tasting room. “It was then that I realized I had finally found my passion!”
When it came time to return to Georgia, Dana knew she wanted to bring the spirit of Napa with her. “I wanted to emulate the experience of tasting a wine and learning about the grapes, the growers and winemakers behind it and then offering it for sale by the bottle…just like in wine country!” The name “Deep Roots” came from a family brainstorm, a nod to both the vineyards they celebrate and their own decision to return home. “Our roots run deep here, just like the roots of the vines,” she says.
From the start, Deep Roots resonated with Roswell. “I mostly remember that it was a combination of a lot of work, a lot of pride, and a lot of excitement,” Dana recalls. “But most importantly, it was amazing to feel the love from the community. We were welcomed with open arms and it was clear we were at home here!”
What makes Deep Roots unique is its approach. Originally focused only on California wines, Dana has since expanded to showcase wines from across the United States. At the heart of the tasting room experience are the Napa Technology Wine Station dispensers, which keep 32 bottles open and ready to taste every day. The self-serve model makes it easy for guests to sample at their own pace, with tasting notes provided to guide their choices. “It’s important for us to make wine accessible and non-pretentious,” Dana explains. “We are there to give them recommendations and talk in depth about the wines if they want to go there. However, we never want to make them feel intimidated about wine!”
That welcoming atmosphere is no accident. Dana is quick to credit her family and team. “I’m most proud of making Deep Roots a true family run business. I could not have done this on my own,” she says. Her son Eddie and daughter-in-law Julia run day to day operations, while her husband Todd handles IT and maintenance. Another daughter-in-law, Anna, manages social media, and even Dana’s mom gets involved by teaching mahjong classes. “And over the years, the Deep Roots team has become like family to me. They care about this business just as much as I do!”
The Roswell community has been instrumental in their success. “Without the support, Deep Roots would simply not exist. From day one, people have embraced us with open arms. Roswell definitely has a passion for supporting local businesses.”
That strong foundation has allowed Deep Roots to grow. In December 2023, she opened a Woodstock location with a kitchen and more dining options. A franchise opened in Chamblee in 2024, with another set to open in Marietta Square.
As for advice to other women dreaming of a similar path, Dana keeps it real. “You can do it! It's a journey filled with passion, but it's not one you can take on alone. My biggest advice is to build a strong support system. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and you can't pour from an empty cup.”
At the end of the day, Dana hopes every guest takes away a sense of belonging. “I hope people take away the feeling that they've found their community, a place that is genuinely welcoming and not intimidating, one where they are comfortable to be exactly who you are.”
Find Deep Roots online at deeprootswine.co and on Facebook and Instagram.
Kadijah Vickers: Serving Up More Than a Meal at The Vick
When Kadijah Vickers opened The Vick on Canton Street in August of 2021, she wasn’t just launching a restaurant, she was building a place where food and community come together in a way people don’t forget. Her vision was to create something fresh and vibrant, blending Southern warmth with a modern touch. Today, The Vick is where regulars feel at home, new faces are welcomed in, and guests leave as friends.
“The Vick was born out of my love for food, community, and creating experiences that people remember long after the meal is over,” Kadijah says. “We focus on approachable yet elevated dishes, paired with genuine hospitality.”
The early days were anything but easy. Long hours, endless details, and learning on the fly became Kadijah’s routine. “What I remember most is the energy and adrenaline,” she recalls. “Every decision felt huge, every customer meant the world, and every win kept me motivated.”
That perseverance paid off. As The Vick marks another anniversary, Kadijah is grateful for how far it has come. “I’m proud that The Vick has become more than just a restaurant, it’s a gathering place,” she says. “Seeing familiar faces return, meeting new guests, and knowing we’ve created a space where people feel at home, that’s what fills me with pride.”
Her path hasn’t been without challenges. Opening a new restaurant, especially in a city with established favorites, wasn’t always easy. “There were sleepless nights wondering how the bills were going to get paid,” Kadijah admits. “I’d sit in the restaurant wondering why people weren’t coming in.” But she also had people who believed in her when she needed it most. They were mentors and community leaders like Bob Hagan, Sandy Buhler, and William Brown from the Roswell Rotary. “William told me I was becoming ‘legendary’ for opening not just one, but two restaurants as a Black woman entrepreneur,” she says. “That recognition pushed me to keep going and show others what’s possible.”
Food and hospitality are at the heart of Kadijah’s philosophy. “For me, food is love, and hospitality is service from the heart,” she explains. “I strive to create dishes that feel familiar but surprise you in the best way. Hospitality is about making every guest feel like family.”
Excitement is brewing with The Vick’s expansion into downtown Atlanta. The second location, opening inside the historic Healey Building at 57 Forsyth St. NW, promises to carry the same DNA as the Roswell spot while bringing its own unique energy to the downtown community.
Balancing the roles of chef, owner, and business leader is no small feat. “It’s definitely a juggling act,” Kadijah says. “I switch constantly between creativity in the kitchen and strategy in the office. The key has been building a strong team I can trust, people who share my passion for excellence and help carry the vision forward.”
Through it all, the community has remained central to her journey. “Roswell has been our foundation,” Kadijah adds. “The loyalty, encouragement, and support have been everything. People didn’t just show up for dinner, they became part of our story.”
For women dreaming of opening their own restaurants, Kadijah offers this advice: “Don’t tell a bunch of people about your dream in the beginning. When others can’t see your vision, it can discourage you and instill fear. Truly and wholeheartedly believe in yourself. Block out negativity and know what is meant for you.”
Find The Vick online at thevickatl.com and on Facebook & Instagram.
“I hope people take away the feeling that they've found their community, a place that is genuinely welcoming and not intimidating…one where they are comfortable to be exactly who you are.”
-Dana Gurela, Deep Roots
“Seeing familiar faces return, meeting new guests, and knowing we’ve created a space where people feel at home; that’s what fills me with pride.”
— Kadijah Vickers, The Vick