Name: Katherine Sokol Deras
Age: 32
Title/Company or main life pursuit: Managing Director of Katya Vineyards
What is your word and why did you chose it? Hugs.
For me, a hug is a comforting reminder of our humanity, a selfless act of friendship. This year hugs were paused for our greater good. As our world heals this is what I miss the most.
What aspirations do you have for yourself in the next 40 years? Seeing a legacy I have created with my husband successfully run by our future children . . . from a yacht in the Maldives.
Favorite way to give back to the community? The Ocala Royal Dames. We are a group of local women raising funds for Cancer Research. We fund local grants through the of University of Florida and Moffit Center in Tampa.
What do you love and/or hate about the Ocala area? I love our community, our personality as a city. Ocala has evolved into an international destination while staying true to ourselves as a whole. There is a sense of innovation that vibrates through our downtown. We are proud to be a part of this moment in Ocala’s History.
A few albums and movies you’d bring to a deserted island? The TV show “Frasier.” My husband has the music covered! (Hopefully he won’t have to sing)
You never leave home without: For practical purposes . . . cars keys.
If you could tell your 16-year-old self one thing: Chin Up and Buckle Up Buttercup. You will fail, you will learn, you will succeed. This is normal, this will take time, you will be OK. 
Anything else you’re super passionate about that you’d like to tout: Our Patrons of Katya. The restaurant business can be unforgiving. However, it is the people you care for who give you purpose and drive. Our patrons are the life force behind Katya, and we thank you. Also . . . I love cats.
