My first real job was in Lecce when I was 16, still attending school. It was a charming and unique restaurant. However, my true kitchen story began when I was 18, as that was the year I gained my first experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant in London. It was quite challenging for me to comprehend and reach that level. I would start my job at seven and finish at midnight or 1-2 am, and then I had to take the bus or the tube to go home. There were no breaks. It was tough, but the experience made me realize this was my calling.

After gaining more experience in France, Copenhagen, and Spain, I returned to Lecce with Floriano, and we decided to start @brosworld__. Since starting Bros’, I changed and become more mature. I was only twenty when we took the step of opening the restaurant. It was a completely different experience; it meant owning my own company and being a chef. I had always dreamt of achieving the standard of Michelin and what it represents, but I understand that Michelin is like winning an Oscar for actors. It’s one of the goals that someone expects when working in fine dining. Managing the pressure of obtaining a Michelin star is difficult to explain, but if you can handle that pressure and strive for it, you are meant to have it.

Being a famous female chef changes you a little bit. It’s usually viewed as a more masculine job because you must be strong and work long hours, so if you choose to have children and a family, it is complex. But right now, it’s something that interests both men and women. Of course, at the moment, being a recognized female chef is a good thing because everyone is looking for female chefs. The world is changing, and females are at the top, so It’s essential to be the right one. Some aspects of the kitchen industry need improvement.

One area is the treatment of human resources, including better job scheduling. This is already starting to change. Communication is another area that is slowly improving. Sous chefs are now being viewed differently. Currently, this is a job that people aspire to, inspiring individuals rather than just a means to make money.