Bianti Danaj
The visionary behind Donika Olive Oil, Bianti Danaj was inspired to create the company after living between two countries and recognizing food’s power to bridge cultures. A recent business graduate and former national-level swimmer, he deeply understands firsthand how nourishment fuels both health and performance.
Olive oil became his first venture not by chance, but because it was a passion intertwined with his home and family life in Albania. To Bianti, the rare Kalinjot olive is more than fruit from the land — it is a symbol of resilience, heritage, and identity. He knew no one had yet built a business in Albania that could carry this story to the world, and he felt he owed it to his country to be the one to bring guidance and hope.
His mission is simple yet profound: to honor Albania’s roots while sharing the vitality of high-phenolic olive oil with the world.
Grace Kelley
Grace has been part of Donika from day one, helping to build the company’s voice, vision, and foundation alongside Bianti. As the only non-Albanian on the team, she brings a fresh perspective and boundless energy, balancing her role as strategist with her passion for sharing Donika’s story.
From the earliest writing efforts that shaped Donika’s identity to representing the brand at trade shows, Grace has been integral in ensuring Donika was not just seen, but remembered. Today, she continues to lead daily operations, and guide our teams creatively.
With a background in Environmental Science, Grace also drives Donika’s sustainability initiatives, weaving ecological responsibility into our growth. Over time, she’s become one of the most enthusiastic advocates for high-phenolic olive oil you’ll meet — happily introducing friends, family, and customers alike to its vitality and medicinal power.
Bruno Musa
As Donika’s head producer, Bruno brings generations of expertise to the table—literally. His family has been producing award-wining olive oils in Albania for centuries, and he carries that legacy forward with pride and precision. With a deep understanding of every step in the process, he oversees production from harvest to bottling, ensuring Donika’s quality is unmatched.
Mendim Bacaj
Mendim Bacaj, Donika’s Agronomist, brings nearly 50 years of expertise in olive cultivation and plant protection to our groves. A graduate of the Higher Agricultural Institute in Tirana and a long-standing researcher at QTTB-Vlora, he has led projects with USAID, BioAdria, and European institutions, publishing widely on sustainable and organic olive production. At Donika, Mendim safeguards the health of our Kalinjot trees, determines the precise harvest moment, and upholds our “tree-to-press in three hours” standard. Each year, his observations and analysis shape the Harvest Notes, giving our community a window into the season’s unique character and guaranteeing that every bottle reflects both scientific rigor and the living tradition of Albania’s olives. He is one of a kind and we are honored to have him on our team.
Ana-Maria Gajtani
As Donika’s outreach coordinator, Ana-Maria is the bridge to the U.S. market—helping the team connect with American customers, retailers, and partners. Her creativity and background in design and campgain development has been vital in shaping how Donika’s story is told across channels. She brings both heart and hustle to every outreach effort.
Sajda Danaj
Sajda is the face and voice of Donika. As the brand’s lead storyteller, she crafts the narrative that connects Donika to the world—through social media, public platforms, and every touchpoint in between. With a natural ability to translate mission into message, she brings the heart of Donika to life in a way that feels personal, powerful, and unforgettable.
