I was born into an Italian family, a culture rich in visual and aromatic landscapes, and I grew up surrounded by women who cultivated soil in city environments. Growing herbs, fruits, and vegetables, making wine, as well as tending a small flower garden, has always been a family tradition. It’s no wonder I was driven to a career of creating beauty with nature’s bountiful blooms.

As a child, one of my fondest memories is that of playing “flower shop” in my grandmother’s garden in Park Slope, Brooklyn. And as a young teenage girl, I worked with my cousin in an upscale florist in Brooklyn Heights. I spent my entire adolescent years working in florists and then running my family shop at 20 years old! To this day, some of the old-time vendors in the New York flower market still call me “kid”.

Looking to further develop my design skills and enhance my creativity, I attended Fashion Institute of Technology (in the heart of the Flower District) and The Brooklyn Botanical Garden for various design courses. I also worked for Crate & Barrel, and Liz Claiborne in the event & merchandising spectrum. Incorporating and utilizing flowers, accessories & keen design sense, I was able to embellish every window, tabletop, special event or even a mannequin with flair & authenticity.

Ultimately, my love for floral design, color, texture, scent and the happiness that fresh flowers bring unanimously won! In 2006 I decided to create “Ciao Bella” and flourish in my most passionate, familiar and inspiring surroundings.