Tribute to Chiara
If Mamma Agata is the soul of the family, Chiara is the heart. She
is the lifeblood, maintaining the "heartbeat" of the household to ensure
all parts work harmoniously. Through love and encouragement, Chiara constantly
nourishes and provides support.
This description sounds like your conventional Southern Italian woman. However,
the urge to break the mould and be an independent woman of the world was evident
from a young age. When she was 21, Chiara left home to study in
Germany and a hospitality career spanning Germany, England, Switzerland and Ireland
followed.
The youthful Chiara loved soaking up her new surroundings, fascinated
by the kaleidoscope of people, food, customs and environments. Her newfound ability
to bridge cultural divides by speaking different languages and broaden her knowledge
in each country inspired Chiara tremendously. Chiara's travels broadened
her attitudes and mind-frame, reinforcing the importance of helping, appreciating
and understanding others instilled in her as a child.
There is no doubt that Chiara is a "people" person who genuinely
loves to share her knowledge and life with others. One of the first things you will
notice when you meet Chiara is her positive energy - her vivacity, a smile
that lights up her entire face and the twinkle in her eye. The very same twinkle
that Mamma Agata reveals when she recalls her wonderful youth at the villa.
Chiara's generosity of spirit is evident when she welcomes you into her home
and immediately treats you like a member of the family, fussing about like a
mother and making sure you have the very best of everything! Her ability to
laugh at herself and see the humour in all situations is the reason why Chiara
is able to maintain her optimism and thriving business.
Chiara's inspiration, passion and determination come from her family (her
grandmother in particular) and her travels. What is most admirable is her continual
drive to learn, improve and deliver the very best in everything she does whilst
keeping a smile on her face and never complaining. As a daughter, mother, wife and
businesswoman, this is no mean feat and makes her a true "hidden treasure".
Kim Bate