Meet Dena Shaskan | Owner, Wines From a Broad

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dena Shaskan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dena, how do you think about risk?
Risk has been a constant companion throughout my career—not in a reckless way, but in a way that comes from trusting my gut, knowing my craft, and being willing to bet on myself. I’ve spent over 35 years in kitchens, built multiple businesses from scratch, and now I’ve opened Wines From a Broad, a wine bar and shop with a very specific mission: celebrating and selling only wines made by women.

That’s not exactly the safe bet, especially in a world that still loves to tell women to play it safe.

But for me, risk isn’t about jumping blindly—it’s about knowing when to leap and when to pivot. Every time I’ve taken a risk, it’s come from a place of deep passion, a lot of experience, and a willingness to do things differently. And yes, sometimes it’s terrifying. But the most meaningful, rewarding parts of my life—the things I’m most proud of—came from stepping into uncertainty with purpose.

Opening this shop wasn’t just a business decision; it was a personal leap. It’s a passion project with a mission, and that means the stakes are higher. But that’s also what makes it worth it.

So what do I think about risk? I think it’s essential. Without it, there’s no innovation, no growth, no bold moves. And frankly, no really good wine list, either.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Wines From a Broad is a wine bar and shop located in Fort Worth, Texas, and we do one thing very specifically: we only carry wines made by women. That means every bottle on our shelves and every glass we pour has a woman behind it—whether she owns the vineyard, makes the wine, or leads the team.
What sets us apart is the intentionality behind everything we do. This isn’t just a wine shop with a silly name—this is a purpose-driven space. We’re creating visibility for female winemakers and entrepreneurs in an industry that, frankly, hasn’t always made room for them. And we’re inviting our guests to be part of that story. It’s wine with a mission.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I’ve been a chef for over 35 years, owned and operated several businesses, and I can tell you—every venture has its own set of challenges. Starting something new, with a niche focus, in a complex industry like wine? That’s no small feat. But I’ve never been one to take the easy route. I believe in the value of hard work, great storytelling, and a strong sense of purpose.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned? Trust your instincts. Be okay with evolving. And surround yourself with people who believe in what you’re doing.

What I want the world to know is this: Wines From a Broad is about more than wine. It’s about creating space—for women, for community, for connection. It’s about lifting others up through the work we do and the choices we make. And yes, it’s about having fun along the way. Because at the end of the day, this is a celebration. Of women, of wine, and of the stories that bring them together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest shoutout goes to my husband, Trent. He’s not just my partner in life, but my constant cheerleader, sounding board, and voice of calm in the chaos. He also happens to run his own business, Icon Bread, where he creates some of the best sourdough around. So yes, our conversations are basically a masterclass in fermentation and entrepreneurship.

Website: https://www.winesfromabroad.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winesfromabroad/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Wines-From-a-Broad/100095049112809/

Image Credits
I TOOK THESE PHOTOS MYSELF