@simplysignorina
Tell us about yourself!
I was born in Palmanova, a quaint suburban town located in the northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Although I was born in northern Italy, both of my parents and families are from Francavilla Angitola, a small town located in the province of Vibo Valentia in Calabria. My mom and I moved together to the US when I was nine years old and it was a huge transition. Going to school without knowing the language and culture was not easy, I remember being completely clueless not only in the academics, but also in the social aspect. Although my first couple of years in the US were challenging, I decided from a young age that school was my number one priority and in spite the fact I was the underdog, I was determined to rise to the challenge. I turned to books as a way to not only master the English language, but also escape my own reality. One year later, I graduated elementary school with an exclusive award in excellence of the English language, which was only given to a total of two students. This entire experience was one of the most powerful lessons and forced me to get out of my comfort zone and quickly adapt, which was extremely difficult for an introverted only-child, but overall it’s one of the things that I am most proud of.
Fast forward twenty years, I have my MBA degree in Marketing and International Business and currently work at Conair in the marketing and product development field. In 2019 I officially launched Simply Signorina as a way to share my story and create connections. When I first moved to the US everything was very unfamiliar and just overall felt misunderstood and extremely lonely. I remember the comfort I got when I would watch Lidia Bastianich or Mary Ann Esposito on television. Ultimately, I want my brand to give others the sense of belonging just as those TV shows gave me during a very challenging time in my life. Where are you from?
My family is originally from a small town in Calabria called Francavilla Angitola, located in the province in Vibo Valentia. I was born in Palmanova located in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. What inspired you to start Simply Signorina?
I wanted to start my blog a couple of years before I actually decided to go for it. I was always very passionate about fashion and enjoyed to cook and travel and was obviously raised in an extremely Italian household. I always felt that my heritage was ultimately the foundation to all my aspects in my life and I wanted Simply Signorina to reflect that. After years of second guessing myself, it took getting laid off from my previous job for me to go for it. I was out of a job for two months (felt like much more) and I had more time to dedicate to it but also felt like I had nothing to lose. It was and still is a big learning experience. Italian drink of choice?
Aperol Spritz and Asti spumante! Favorite restaurant in Italy?
I honestly don't have one! Favorite town on the Italian Riviera?
Portofino is just so dreamy. Go-to gelato flavor?
I love either Nutella or coffee flavor. Favorite Italian saying?
Vivi e lascia vivere is definitely my favorite saying. I love the meaning behind it to live your life, but also mind your business and be accepting of others. I think the world would be a much better place if everyone followed this advice. My mom always says it so this phrase has always been part of me. Any style tips to live your best Dolce Vita?
Accessories are key and less is more! I always believed that how you accessorize an outfit is how you truly showcase your personality. I typically like more understated and classic looks and adding jewelry or a fun bag to mix it up. I think that less is more even when it comes to showing skin. I always liked to balance it out, for example if I'm wearing something that is a little low cut in the chest then I will make sure that it's a little longer in length. I always like to have a balance when I'm putting together an outfit. I also like to use this rule when it comes to jewelry. For example, if I'm wearing a statement necklace, then I will pair that with stud earrings or vice versa, if I'm wearing more visible earrings then I will typically either not wear a necklace or wear a very thin and dainty piece.
Advice for other women pursuing their passions?
My advice is to not to listen to anyone who is not supporting your vision and to ignore. I know, easier said than done but ultimately you have to live your life to please yourself and not your family, friends, significant other. The biggest lesson that my brand has taught me is to silence critics and to just keep going.
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