Full original interview → https://valiantceo.com/dion-symonette/
Dion Symonette’s move from cybersecurity to premium olive oils shows how transferable leadership can be. His YAMAAS! story connects customer empathy strategic thinking and a willingness to begin again. For professionals considering a new direction this journey offers a grounded reminder that meaningful entrepreneurship often starts with one surprising conversation.
Dion Symonette is an innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience spanning technology consulting, healthcare, the federal government, and cybersecurity. After a successful corporate career, Dion transitioned into the Specialty Products industry, bringing a unique blend of leadership and strategic planning to his own brand of premium Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars. Driven by a passion for health education and wellness, Dion combines his corporate expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit to create high-quality products that promote healthy living. By emphasizing wellness-focused choices, he inspires individuals to incorporate nutritious, flavorful options into their daily routines-bridging the gap between health education and culinary excellence.
After two decades in technology and cybersecurity, what inspired you to make such a bold pivot into the food industry?
Dion Symonette: It started with a casual conversation with my colleague about trying to eat better. I’d mentioned that I was becoming more conscious of my health, and they told me about a Greek family they knew who produced exceptional olive oils and vinegars. They invited me to a tasting, and I went out of curiosity more than anything else.
From the very first pour, I was captivated. The flavor was unlike anything I’d ever experienced—rich, fresh, alive—and as they explained what separates truly great olive oil from the rest, I found myself completely drawn in. On the drive home, my colleague turned to me and said, “What if we started our own company and worked directly with them?”
My immediate thought was, “Absolutely not! I don’t know anything about olive oil or vinegars—this is crazy.” But then that familiar voice in the back of my mind spoke up—the one that always says, “If not now, when?” It’s a principle that’s guided my entire life, and in that moment, the idea didn’t feel crazy at all. It felt like the start of something meaningful.
Do you remember the exact moment or experience that sparked the idea for YAMAAS!?
Dion Symonette: I remember that moment clearly. My former business partner had decided to move in a different direction, and while it was a challenging time, it also opened the door for something new. I wanted to create a name and brand that truly reflected who I am—something deeply personal that spoke to my values, my passion for quality, and the kind of experience I wanted to share with others. That’s how YAMAAS! was born—a fresh start built on purpose and heart.
How did your background in tech prepare you for entrepreneurship in food and wellness?
Dion Symonette: In my previous role as Director of Customer Success in the tech industry, my work revolved around being proactive—understanding clients’ needs before they expressed them and ensuring their experience exceeded expectations. That same approach has guided me in the food and wellness space. Anticipating what customers value, listening closely, and delivering something that feels both intentional and meaningful are universal principles. Whether it’s technology or olive oil, success comes from empathy, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to enrich people’s lives.
How did you navigate the fear or uncertainty that comes with making a major life pivot?
Dion Symonette: I’d love to say that uncertainty is new to me, but it’s been a constant companion throughout my life. My father passed away when I was three, and by the time I was ten, my mother had moved our family from the Bahamas to the United States to start over. Later came launching an IT consulting business , going through a divorce, and stepping into the role of a single father. Each of those experiences taught me to face the unknown with resilience rather than fear. At this point, navigating change feels less like a disruption and more like a rhythm I’ve learned to thrive in. I take each day as it comes and focus on making the most of every opportunity it brings.
Anyone who pivots their life is a courageous person. How did this experience allow you to reach into your reservoir of courage?
Dion Symonette: I’ve faced my share of difficult moments, but I’ve never faced them alone. My family and close friends have been my foundation, the steady hands that have helped me navigate life’s toughest turns. Over time, I’ve learned that true courage doesn’t come from doing everything on your own—it comes from having the humility to lean on others when you need to. Recognizing that strength often shows up in the form of community has been one of the most valuable lessons of my journey.
The name “YAMAAS!” is both joyful and distinctly Greek. How did you come up with it, and what does it mean to you?
Dion Symonette: YAMAAS! was born from a desire to create something that captured the spirit of health, celebration, family, and connection. I remembered how, in Greece, people raise their glasses and shout “Yamaas!”—a toast that means “to our health!” It’s a joyful expression of togetherness, and the moment I recalled that tradition, I knew it perfectly embodied everything I wanted the brand to stand for.
How do you ensure that every bottle of YAMAAS! Does it embody the craftsmanship and authenticity you stand for?
Dion Symonette: I’m fortunate to collaborate with a remarkable Greek family who shares the same devotion to quality and authenticity that YAMAAS! stands for. They’ve been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge—taking me behind the scenes of their process and even inviting me to their property in Greece to experience the harvest firsthand. Though I haven’t yet made the trip, their passion and care come through in every conversation and every bottle we create together. That partnership gives me complete confidence that YAMAAS! reflects not just exceptional craftsmanship, but also the heart, tradition, and respect for the land that define true authenticity.
How do you see YAMAAS! fitting into today’s growing movement toward mindful eating and natural living?
Dion Symonette: To me, YAMAAS! is more than a name—it’s an invitation to live with intention. I see it as part of a broader movement toward mindful eating and natural living, where every choice we make about what we consume reflects how we care for ourselves. Even one thoughtful decision, like choosing a high-quality, natural ingredient, can spark a powerful shift in mindset and lifestyle.
At YAMAAS!, our high-phenolic olive oils—with phenol counts ranging from 500 to 1,800—and our low-acidity, organically produced vinegars give people that opportunity to choose better. These products don’t just elevate flavor; they support wellness, from heart health and blood pressure balance to digestive harmony. My hope is that YAMAAS! becomes a catalyst for this kind of change, encouraging people to slow down, savor what’s good for them, and celebrate the connection between health, joy, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal.
What impact do you hope YAMAAS! will have on the way people cook, gather, and experience food? Where can consumers go to learn more?
Dion Symonette: My hope is that YAMAAS! becomes that spark that brings people together—family, friends, anyone who loves good food and good company. I want it to inspire everyone to be more mindful of what they eat, to try new flavors, and to create dishes that feel both healthy and full of life. For me, cooking is about connection—it’s about slowing down, savoring the moment, and celebrating life together. At the end of the day, cooking should be about connection and joy, and I hope YAMAAS! plays a part in that.
You can learn more about YAMAAS! and explore our products at www.yamaas.com, or follow along on Instagram @yamaas_llc for recipes, inspiration, and a peek behind the scenes.
