Mozzafiato is helping artisan Italian brands get in front of new consumers in the United States. We're not just selling high quality beauty and home products, we also give back to Italian communities through the Save Venice campaign. This works to conserve and celebrate the artistic heritage of Venice.

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles, or challenges? What were they and how did you get passed it and grow from the experience?

In the past year, I’ve learned so many lessons, almost too many to count. One of our biggest struggles has been getting the products from Italy. Shipping is crazy expensive, especially when we were first starting out, in the height of the pandemic. There weren’t enough planes in the air because of COVID-19, and the logistical challenges of then moving products to warehouses in the U.S. were a big obstacle. This is still something we’re always working on improving. We’re always trying to get smarter and better about bringing in products from overseas. One of the biggest changes recently has been adding bundles and a quarterly subscription service to help with inventory.

Another huge challenge we’ve faced is explaining to customers why they should buy from us versus Amazon, where some of these Italian products are also available. We’ve worked hard to build our brand, customer service, and experience. It’s been a big fight for visibility, but we are fortunate to be seeing customers coming back many times after they make their first purchase.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?

I’ve learned that running a company is a lot like being married. Once you’re committed, you have to fully commit yourself for the long haul or you’re not going to succeed. Being afraid of the commitment, risks and reality of it are all normal feelings to have when starting out, so know you’re not alone. I myself had a lot of these thoughts when first starting, but I came to the conclusion that if I didn’t jump in fully, I would regret it.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feel like it's too difficult?

I would share that we've all had struggles, and you're not alone! Sometimes there can be obstacles that seem too difficult, and sometimes they really could be too difficult. Make sure you have people to lean on who are experts in different areas of your business.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

Mozzafiato brings the artisan beauty, fragrance, and home products from Italy to you. Our business is built on three important concepts: anima (Italian Soul), quality (product performance and quality), and stile (Italian style). We have traveled all of Italy to discover the very best native Italian beauty brands – all enriched by the country’s culture, history, and geography. The Mozzafiato collection of brands share a commitment to beauty nourished by nature, time, and a deep connection to the land, people, and style of del Bel Paese. Every product in the Mozzafiato collection meets our highest expectations of quality, authenticity, and performance. Our team of beauty experts seek out brands built on the highest principles and foundations of exquisite natural ingredients with specialized, unique formulations. We personally use and recommend all of the products we carry including skincare, fragrance, bath, and body collections so that we are confident they deliver the luxurious and enduring results that our discerning clients desire. Our products embody the true spirit of Italian beauty and style—effortless grace, harmony, and originality that are each reflected in the gorgeous packaging, bold use of color, and sophisticated, masterful design. Our collection reflects our audience: modern and timeless, classic and spirited, elegant and joyful.

What makes Mozzafiato different is that our brands are real people with history and generational ties to these brands. We make sure to tell their stories and show family pictures on the website. We have fragrances that are 400 years old. No one is doing exactly what we’re doing. We’re not like a Sephora or Ulta with a million brands and products. Everything is carefully selected to be the highest quality.

This is what I’m most proud of, that we’re bringing new exposure to this historic brands. People who have never heard of a centuries-old company are able to discover them for the first time. Seeing people experience this brands with a fresh perspective is an amazing feeling and true embodiment of Mozzafiato.

If you’re not sure where to start, we have seasonal subscription boxes. There’s one for men’s products, one for women’s products, one for home, and one that is a general discovery box. These items are carefully curated each quarter and delivered to your door.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

I would recommend just taking the plunge! If you're thinking of starting a business or looking to grow your current business, you'll have to take the leap and try many different and new things. It's all about rolling with the punches and having a good support system to help you with the aspects of business that are not your absolute strength.

To connect: amy@mozzafiato.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmMozzafiato/ Instagram @iammozzafiato or @amybuildingmozzafiato