My story My Project

At 50 years old, I find myself in Australia, building a future for myself and my daughter the most important person in my life.

Ten years ago, I left Florence with my partner and our daughter, intending to stay only for a short time. But life had other plans, and I’m still here. Australia can be a challenging place to settle, but once you understand and embrace the culture, it reveals itself as a land full of opportunities. That doesn't mean it's been easy.

When I first arrived, I brought with me a few product samples from Italy to present to local retailers. To my surprise, this small initiative quickly proved promising and profitable. Unfortunately, about a year and a half later, just as business was gaining momentum, I went through a separation. It was a difficult time. It took me more than two years to regain my footing, and slowly I began to rebuild. Still, it was no longer at the same pace as before.

My original vision was to import and distribute Italian products across Australia. But sourcing local sales agents proved difficult, and traditional B2B sales became increasingly unsustainable. I no longer had the energy or resources to travel door-to-door, and the return on effort was diminishing.

Then, in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Shops stopped buying, and I feared I would have to shut down. But what I hadn’t anticipated was the rapid shift to online commerce. I acted quickly. From just three brands in 2019, I scaled to 37 in under three years, now offering over 7,000 SKUs. That pivot marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Today, I’m working toward building a niche online marketplace, curated, category-driven, and global in scope. A platform that gives voice to exceptional brands and products that are often overlooked.

I was born and raised in Florence, a city synonymous with craftsmanship, fashion, and lifestyle. Many of my lifelong friends own factories that produce for some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. This unique network and background have shaped my vision: to spotlight those lesser-known brands that create extraordinary products, often from the same hands and materials as the giants of the industry.

These brands represent what I call "affordable luxury": high-quality craftsmanship, innovative materials, and timeless design without the inflated prestige price tag.

Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered that in every part of the world, there are hidden gems, brands and artisans whose creations deserve to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated. My mission is to be their voice and bring them to light on the global stage.

I never stop moving my days are full, and growth continues to be both the most exhilarating and terrifying part of the process. But I feel the time has come to open this project to others. To collaborate. To expand. To turn this vision into something much greater than myself.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Warm regards,
A.M.