We recently had the chance to connect with Fernando Ortega and have shared our conversation below.
Fernando, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m quite disciplined during the week, Monday through Friday. I wake up at 6 a.m., make myself a fresh coffee to take with me, and prepare my breakfast: two or three scrambled eggs with turkey. Then I shower and finish getting ready to leave the house by 6:45 a.m. for Fredericksburg, where I’m currently working.
Saturdays and Sundays are different. I try to sleep in as much as possible (though never later than 10 a.m.), and the routine is quite similar because I always have a good breakfast, since it’s the most important meal of the day. I don’t look at my phone until after I’ve finished breakfast. I like to start the day without the noise of what’s going on out there.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Fernando Ortega, a Spanish entrepreneur, storyteller, and third-generation olive oil producer. I am the founder of ILOVEACEITE, a brand dedicated to promoting extra virgin olive oil and Mediterranean culture around the world. I hold a degree in Law and have over fifteen years of experience as a fiscal and financial advisor, helping individuals and businesses optimize their economic and strategic resources. Over time, I have built a career that blends communication, entrepreneurship, global business and cultural advocacy.
As a passionate storyteller and photographer, I am also an author and have published several books, including collections of short stories and poetry. My deep love for language and narrative is woven into every aspect of my life and work, shaping the way I see and share the world. My photography has been featured in exhibitions both in Spain and the USA, where my images capture the same poetic spirit that defines my writing.
Since 2016, I have been based in Texas, where I bring the richness of my Mediterranean roots to the American landscape. As a devoted Harley-Davidson rider, I embrace a lifestyle defined by freedom, exploration, and authenticity—values that resonate deeply in both my personal journey and my business philosophy.
Through ILOVEACEITE, I continue to champion quality, sustainability, and the art of storytelling—connecting people across cultures through the shared experience of food, tradition, and passion.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
The truth is, I still feel very connected to the child I once was. From a very young age, I learned to read, and I loved getting lost in the books at home, writing, telling stories, and imagining other worlds. I have always been extremely curious and eager to learn and explore the world. That hasn’t changed at all.
Of course, my energy isn’t the same as it was back then, but at 56 years old, I’m in great shape and I still have the same drive to imagine worlds, see as much of the world as I can, and continue reading and writing.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Well, the truth is that I have very few fears, or maybe none at all. If I have to use the word “fear,” I’d say that horror movies really scare me—I never watch them. And heights—I get vertigo. Heights really overwhelm me.
But despite that vertigo, I’ve climbed to some incredible places in my life, especially when running in the mountains. When I was up there, I would often think, “With all these fears, how did I even get here?”
Horror movies, though, I just can’t handle them.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, quite a lot. Although, like everyone, I have some facets that are more public and others more private, but basically, I’m the same person. In public, I’ve always been straightforward; I enjoy speaking in front of people, sharing my opinions, and being honest—I’m not two-faced. When I’m working, I’m very professional. If I don’t like something, I either walk away or lose interest. I never speak badly of anyone and I never complain about anything.
I’m also someone who enjoys life: I love traveling, riding my motorcycle, doing sports, photographing seemingly trivial things… that’s just who I am and how I present myself. I’m quite politically incorrect and definitely don’t follow the current woke norms. I practice stoicism and love to feel and look healthy and well. I’m vain and a bit flirtatious. And that’s how I am, both in public and in private.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
The truth is, nothing. I’m where I want to be, with the people I want to be with, doing what I want. Or better yet, I’d grab María and take her around the world! Hahaha.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iloveaceite.us
- Instagram: @iloveaceite
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iloveaceite-us/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/iloveaceiteus
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/i-love-aceite-san-antonio-2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iloveaceite
- Other: www.fernandortega.com
@69vagamundos
Image Credits
Fernando Ortega
