My Journey in Hospitality

My career in hospitality began when I was just 18 years old, working in a hotel. At that age, I could not have imagined how much this industry would shape my life. What started as a simple job quickly became a lifelong passion. I discovered early on that hospitality is more than serving food or drinks—it is about people, connections, and creating experiences that guests remember long after they leave.

Over the years, I worked in cafés, bars, restaurants, and hotels. Each experience taught me valuable lessons. In cafés, I learned speed, consistency, and the importance of making regular customers feel at home. In bars, I discovered how atmosphere, energy, and conversation could transform a guest’s experience. Restaurants taught me menu knowledge, wine pairing, and the balance between professionalism and warmth. Hotels gave me perspective on the complete guest experience, where every detail—from check-in to goodbye—matters.

A pivotal chapter of my journey was my time in London. The city’s fast pace and international clientele pushed me to grow quickly. London taught me discipline, professionalism, and anticipating guest needs. It was also there I met my husband, a professional Italian bartender who shared my passion for hospitality. After we married, we moved to Italy and decided to start our own business together.

We began with a small cafeteria in Pisa, focusing on quality and service. Over the years, our vision evolved, and we transformed our space into a champagne bar, creating a unique, high-end experience. Today, our bar is recognized as one of the best in town, attracting guests from Pisa and surrounding areas—and even from further away—who come specifically for our service.

What sets our bar apart is our commitment to high-quality products. From carefully selected wines to freshly prepared appetizers for aperitivo, every item we serve meets the highest standards. We serve premium champagne by the glass, and every dish and drink is presented with attention to detail, ensuring the guest’s experience is flawless. Guests know that when they visit, nothing is rushed, nothing is overlooked, and everything is done with perfection.

Our dedication has also been recognized in newspaper articles, highlighting our café’s excellence, our service, and our focus on quality. While public recognition is gratifying, the true reward comes from seeing our guests leave satisfied, happy, and eager to return.

Nearly 30 years in hospitality have taught me that success is built on consistency, professionalism, and genuine care for every guest. Even now, I continue to learn new ways to improve service and elevate the guest experience.

This book is the culmination of my journey—a guide filled with lessons, skills, and insights from decades of working in cafés, bars, restaurants, and hotels. My goal is to share these experiences with you so that you can grow with confidence, serve with heart, and provide hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.