Festa della Donna
Celebrating Italian American Women Business Owners
Maria Liuzzi
TV journalist of Telenorba on the history and significance of Festa della Donna
Carmela Capriati
Chairwoman of Festa della Donna
Sharon DePrizio
Chairwoman of Festa della Donna
Monalisa Boutique: A Legacy of Italian Elegance
My name is Carmela Capriati and along with my sister Teresa, we are the proud owners of Monalisa Boutique. We grew up in a vibrant Italian household, our lives were rich with family, food, and cherished traditions.
As a teenager, I pursued a path of education, graduating from Loyola University. I was also a teacher at Carmel High School for Boys and dedicated 35 years as a corporate secretary for a family-owned construction company, a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE).
Our journey into the world of fashion began 39 years ago, in 1987, when a local tailor in Evanston sparked Teresa’s vision for bringing authentic Italian goods to our community. We started with a modest 700 sq. ft. space, offering a curated selection of Italian-made silk ties, scarves, sterling silver jewelry, and unique artisanal items.
As Monalisa Boutique blossomed, we expanded our selection by offering a custom-made collection of gowns, featuring exquisite fabrics and styles from local designers. We then had the privilege of introducing a talented Italian fur designer from Rome, whose unique collection of coats and jackets quickly became a favorite.
After 15 successful years in Evanston, we relocated to a spacious new home in Addison. This allowed us to broaden our inventory further, adding elegant mother-of-the-bride couture, sophisticated evening wear, stunning prom attire, and a range of luxurious everyday items.
Our journey has certainly had its challenges, from balancing family life to navigating competition and long workdays. However, the immense pride we feel seeing our collections grace the runway makes every effort worthwhile.
To all aspiring young women dreaming of entrepreneurship, our advice is simple: work hard, steadfastly pursue your vision, and always remember, “reach for the moon and if you should fall, you will land among the stars.” Grazie and arrivederci at Monalisa Boutique!
My name is Antonietta Ciaccia Cervantes, and bridal has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I own Veiled By ChaCha Bridal Boutique in Glen Ellyn, IL. My parents immigrated from Bari, Italy with very little in their pockets—but with everything that mattered. They carried an unshakable work ethic, a belief in craftsmanship, and the understanding that success is earned through sacrifice. Life was not easy for them. There were long days, tight budgets, and constant worry. But there was also pride in honest work and an unwavering commitment to giving their children opportunities they never had. Through all this, they were able to put us through private schools and college. Watching them struggle, persevere, and still dream shaped who I would become.
My mother is a master tailor who learned her skill in Italy. Her first job in America was in a bridal store, and that is where my story quietly began. I grew up watching her transform bolts of fabric into works of art. To most people, it looked like sewing—but to me, it was magic. She measured, cut, adjusted, and perfected every detail with patience and precision. What I didn’t realize at the time was that she wasn’t just creating clothes—she was teaching me problem-solving, discipline, and pride in craftsmanship. Her sewing room was my first classroom.
At just 17 years old, I officially entered the bridal industry as a stock girl. I was folding dresses, organizing inventory, steaming gowns, and learning by observation. I didn’t know it then, but that decision would define the next 30 years of my life. I worked my way through every role imaginable—sales, fittings, operations, management, leadership, and design. I learned how a bridal business truly works: the emotional responsibility, the logistics, the timing, and the trust brides place in you during one of the most important moments of their lives. Over time, my love for design grew stronger. I was drawn to veils—the finishing touch, the detail that completes a bride’s vision. I became a regional manager and veil designer in the corporate bridal world. I traveled, trained teams, managed stores, and learned how to balance creativity with business strategy. But something inside me wanted more. I didn’t just want to sell bridal—I wanted to create an experience rooted in artistry, customization, and heart.
In 2011, with the support of my family, my incredible husband, and trusted industry colleagues, I took the biggest leap of my life and opened Veiled By ChaCha Bridal Boutique in Glen Ellyn. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I worked long hours—early mornings, late nights, and countless weekends. I wore every hat: designer, buyer, consultant, marketer, cleaner, and problem-solver. There were no shortcuts. Every inch of success was earned through grit, persistence, and an unwavering belief in my vision. What kept me going was my excitement to help every bride who walked through the door. Each bride has a story, a dream, and a vision—and I consider it an honor to be part of that journey. I wanted them to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. I wanted to design veils that weren’t just accessories, but heirlooms—pieces filled with meaning, craftsmanship, and intention while finding them the gown of their dreams.
This year, I am entering my 15th year in business, and over three decades in the bridal industry. It has been built on long weekends, missed holidays, hard lessons, and constant evolution. Success, to me, isn’t defined by numbers or titles. It’s defined by trust. By passion. By creating a space filled with joy where brides feel confident, beautiful, and cared for.
To those just beginning their journey: experience is your greatest asset. Ask questions. Learn every role. Find mentors. Make mistakes—but don’t let them stop you. Passion may start the dream, but discipline, resilience, and consistency are what turn that dream into a lasting business. Bridal is not just what I do—it is who I am. And after more than 30 years, I am still just as excited to help every bride as I was on day one.
I began my legal journey on the Ligurian coast, where I became a lawyer in Italy in 1996 And registered with the Savona Bar Association. Practicing law as a woman required determination, preparation, and resilience—but it also gave me a strong sense of purpose. Years of working as a solo practitioner directly with individuals and families, handling complex matters and standing in Italian courts, shaped not only my professional skills, but also my confidence. From the very beginning, I believed that commitment, integrity, and hard work would open doors.
At forty, I made one of the boldest decisions of my life: I started over in a new country. I crossed the ocean, immersed myself in a different legal system, and returned to studying. Through perseverance and discipline, I earned my law license in Illinois in 2012. My Italian legal background became my strength, allowing me to see the law through an international lens.
Today, I practice law in here Chicago, focusing on International Private Law. I assist my clients whose lives, families, and assets cross borders, helping them navigate legal matters between Italy & United States with both clarity and confidence. My journey is a reminder, that believing in yourself, even when the path is uncertain, makes growth possible. On International Women’s Day, I celebrate determination, courage, and the power of women who choose to trust their abilities and build their own success.
I’m an artist. And an Italian-American, born and raised on Chicago’s south side. My specialty is painting canvases live during events and especially weddings. My background as an Art Director/Storyboard Artist in the Advertising field, with extensive experience working in front of people, prepared me for my own business today as a LIVE Artist. And it was during those years in advertising where I met my husband Richard, who was also a Creative Director for many years. He is also my business partner with our company Rosemary Fanti LIVE.
I would have to say my parents were my greatest influence—helping guide my business direction in art. They recognized and encouraged my artistic talent and love for drawing early on in my life. In addition to a parochial education by day, I also attended Chicago’s School of the Art Institute Junior School on Saturday’s and during summer break for many years. I also had a very influential high school teacher that encouraged me to consider a career in the advertising and fashion field where I could hone my artistic skills. And make a good living, too!
Growing up, Italian cultural values were not just words in my family. They were actions and were lived, especially by my Nonna and Nonno. Values of the importance of family, instilled in their children to value the gift that God gave you. And to make it your “job” to
develop those gifts, or talents, throughout your life. And to never give up on what you
love.
Success as an Artist means to me the ability to create something beautiful for my clients, to make them happy. Creating a wedding painting, during one of happiest days for a couple, and my ability to capture that moment live for them on canvas—brings pure joy. To them and me. Presenting the couple with something truly original, a painting that they’re able to enjoy seeing every day for years to come. A family heirloom to hand down to their children. That, to me, is real success.
Starting anything, especially a business, begins with passion, a love, something to include your talent. And then the fortitude to not be derailed by failure. Because failures will undoubtedly help guide you to your successes. Remember that we’re all born with a talent. We need education and experiences to perfect our skills. And to keep going no matter what. Because if you quit you will always fail 100%. But if you get back up and learn the lesson, you will succeed in business. And in life, too.
Hi, my name is Tina Sclafani, and I am honored to celebrate International Women’s Day with the JCCIA. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story.
I was raised in a proud Italian family. My father grew up in Cefalù, and my mother’s parents were from Sambuca, Sicily. Like many Italian households, family was at the center of everything. My parents were my greatest role models, teaching me from a young age the importance of having a strong work ethic, perseverance and commitment—values deeply rooted in our Italian culture.
I knew early on that I wanted to own my own business. I began my career at Mario Tricoci Salon, where I built a strong foundation as a stylist and bridal specialist. That experience led me to start my own company. Fifteen years ago, I launched Magnificent Brides, and today I am proud to lead a team of eight exceptionally talented hair and makeup artists.
As an entrepreneur, my Italian values are at the heart of everything I do. Passion drives my creativity, dedication pushes me to continually grow, and integrity guides every business decision I make. I believe that trust is built through clear communication and honesty, and that long-term success comes from treating people with respect. Balancing family life and building a business can certainly be challenging, but I am incredibly grateful for the support of my husband and daughters, who have been encouraging me every step of the way.
For me, success is not measured by financial growth alone. Success is earning the trust of our clients, receiving referrals year after year, and creating opportunities for other women to build careers and confidence alongside me.
To women who are considering starting a business, my advice is simple. Be patient and don’t rush the process. Invest in your skills, your confidence, and your relationships. And most importantly, believe in yourself.
My journey has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined. I am grateful for the incredible clients I’ve worked with, the lasting relationships I’ve built, and the ability to pursue a career I am truly passionate about. Being an entrepreneur has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am proud to represent Italian-American women who lead with strength, heart, and integrity.
My name is Tracy M. Rizzo. I am an Attorney in the State of Illinois and have been licensed since 1996. I have owned and operated my own law firm since 2002. Throughout my thirty (30) year career, I have exclusively practiced divorce law. I represent both men and women through what some say is the most difficult experience of their lives. Besides being an attorney, I have been a licensed Private Investigator in the State of Illinois since 1995 and I have also owned and operated my own detective agency since 2007.
Growing up, I was influenced by both of my Italian and hard-working parents. My father was a successful and very driven private investigator. My mother was and continues to be a devoted, hands-on and hardworking homemaker. While my father taught me the skills of being a business owner, my mother taught me to be a strong and independent woman who could succeed on her own. As an adult, I have been influenced and supported by my husband and partner in life.
Professionally, I consider myself successful because I have operated a busy law practice for thirty (30) years and 100% of my client base is from referrals by satisfied former clients and colleagues who trust me. I have helped hundreds of families through an emotional and painful time in their lives and my clients rely on me and value my advice, which I believe is the true measure of my professional success.
For women who are considering starting their own business, I recommend that you believe in yourself. Do not be intimidated and never let any person tell you that you cannot succeed. In addition, there is no substitute for hard work. Being successful requires dedication, long hours and a lot of hard work. Those are the exact qualities of traditional Italian-Americans and those qualities should be carried on to the future generations of Italian women.
LIVE WITH NO REGRETS
BY: DIANE CERNIVIVO
My first tip to younger professional women is to live with no regrets. Do not let obstacles stand in the way of your dreams. You can do hard; you will find a path. Time will pass. Do not wake up one day and say, if I had only taken that first step, I could have fulfilled my dreams.
By way of background, I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago, a blue-collar neighborhood; the only child of Rose and Bruno Cernivivo. They were the major influences in my life, by their Italian American virtues of hard work, perseverance, abiding faith and love of our Italian American culture.
I have wanted to be an attorney since grade school, but in the 1970s, girls like me did not go to college, let alone aspire to be attorneys. Obstacles stood in my way. My dad died suddenly one month before my high school graduation. I faced the grim reality that I could not afford college and needed to get a job. While working, I attended court reporting school, but I could not pass the state licensing exam; I felt like a failure. I was then hired as a legal secretary for a female attorney, a rarity in the1970s. She encouraged me to go to college. I worked fulltime for her and went to school full time. I graduated from DePaul University in 1980, with highest honors, and attended DePaul Law School, graduating in 1983. Eventually, I became a partner at a large Chicago firm. After 10 years of practice, I opened my own law firm, one of the first female-owned medical malpractice defense firms in Chicago. I have had the privilege to represent hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and other healthcare professions. I was also appointed an adjunct instructor at DePaul College of Law, where I developed the medical malpractice course and taught for fourteen years.
My second tip is to have passion in whatever you do. Don’t settle for mediocrity, strive to do better. Distinguish yourself. For example, I have published and lectured extensively in my area of law.
Third, get involved in your profession and community. Volunteer. I have been a member and moderator of the Santa Maria Incoronata Club for many years. The same club my grandmother was a member in the early 1990s. l also volunteer my legal services to the club. This brings me full circle to my Italian American heritage. I am nearing the end of my legal career. I have lived my life with no regrets. I am proud to be Italian American. I know from where I came, and because of that I know who I am.
My name is Annamarie Gullo, and I’m the founder of Linguini Sisters Pasta Sauce. We currently offer four pasta sauces—Marinara, Arrabbiata, Pesto Pomodoro, and Vodka Sauce—as well as a Pizza Sauce. Maintaining the quality of my product has always been important to me, which is why all of our sauces are made with all-natural ingredients, are low sodium, and non-GMO. I’ve been heavily influenced by my family, especially my mother, my aunts, and my nonnas. They were always incredible in the kitchen and inspired my love for cooking, teaching me that food has the power to bring family together.
After having a kidney transplant, living a healthy lifestyle became my reality. Making sure I was eating clean and feeding my children the best quality foods became my top priority. With fast-moving schedules and busy days, I needed meals that were both convenient and wholesome—and that’s what led to the creation of Linguini Sisters. I also wanted to be a strong example for my daughters as a successful small business owner. One of the most rewarding parts has been having my daughters involved in the company and helping grow our brand. I hope my story can inspire other women in our community to become business owners or pursue something they’re passionate about. Being part of a community and building connections is so important, and we are lucky to have such a strong Italian- American community where we can share our culture and support one another. Thank you to JCCIA for this opportunity to be featured in “Italian American Women Business Owners.”
Hi, I’m Loredana Sciortino, owner of Connex Consulting — also known as The Connex Pro.
I was born in Bagheria, Sicily, and immigrated to Chicago with my family in 1996. I’m the eldest daughter of two extraordinary parents — my father, Maurizio, who started from the bottom and built his own company through discipline and sacrifice, and my mother, Michela, who taught herself everything she knows, and always finds a way to keep our family strong. From them, I learned that opportunity isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you create. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Entrepreneurship from Elgin Community College and built the rest of my career through experience and self-education, working alongside small businesses locally and globally for more than 20 years.
Today, I am a Business Consultant and Marketing Strategist. I am a Certified Human Rights Consultant, Licensed Financial Services Professional, Certified Tax Preparer, and host of the Connex Business Book Club. I proudly serve as Vice President of the Raising Our Daughters Foundation, a member since 2020, and have been a committed member of the Chicagoland Italian American Professionals since 2019, previously serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors. Community, leadership, and development are at the center of everything I do.
Through Connex Consulting, we offer essential administrative and marketing services to local, service-based, individually owned small businesses and nonprofit organizations. We operate like a full-service agency, but with a business development center approach — focusing not just on tasks, but on building sustainable systems and long-term growth. We know you are already a master in your field, and we are here to support you along the way. At Connex, we connect the dots to business — guiding you from professional, to self-employed, to true business owner. We believe in your ability to create your own opportunities. We believe in living a dignified and respected life you enjoy.
JCCIA – Italian American Business Owners
Story by Roseanne Sorrentino
I am proud to credit my Italian immigrant parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents for shaping my life and achievements. Growing up, three generations worked side by side in family businesses, modeling hard work, integrity, persistence, and pride in what they built. Those values were not just spoken—they were lived—and they continue to guide every decision I make today.
When I started my own business and faced uncertainty, my family reminded me to choose work I love. They would say, “If you love what you do, every day is Saturday.” They also taught me to finish what I start and to adapt when necessary. When their bakery struggled, they pivoted to the restaurant business—eventually running both successfully. From them, I learned that resilience and flexibility turn setbacks into opportunity. My business, like theirs, is about more than sales—it is about family and legacy.
Their example also taught me that success is rooted in happiness and in the people who surround you. I have been fortunate to work alongside individuals I respect and admire, who inspire me daily and reflect the strength of the community that supports me—among them Maria, Enza, Deborah, Mariann, Gina, Laura, Dino, Virginia, Charles, and John. These are just a few of the people who inspire me today. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned to listen well, negotiate thoughtfully, and recognize when change is necessary. Staying committed to your vision matters—but knowing when to evolve, supported by those who believe in you, is what sustains long-term success.
Buona Serra, I am Elizabeth Bertucci, a lifelong Chicagoland resident, born and raised in Chicago. I graduated from Trinity High School and DePaul University. My father and mother, both Italians, came from Italy. My dad when he was 13 and my mother, she was 2. From them, my 5 brothers and I learned the value of hard work, integrity and kindness.
In the mid-1970s, I took a leap of faith and started my own insurance business renting a desk and putting in a phone paying $40 a month. My sweet mother was my receptionist. At the time, very few women were leading businesses in this industry. But I believed if you have a passion for what you are trying to accomplish, you will succeed.
For more than 50 years, I have had the privilege of serving as President and CEO of The Bertucci Agency and American Insurance Brokers and Consultants, Ltd — both based in Chicago. Giving back has always been just as important to me as building a successful business.
Over the years, I’ve served on charity boards, fundraising committees, and civic organizations, in leadership roles. Through these efforts, I’ve helped organize events that raised millions of dollars for causes and cures close to my heart. I feel blessed to have strong management skills and great connections—and there is nothing more satisfying than using them in ways that have a lasting impact on the lives of people.
It’s the small moments, and the lives that we touch along the way, that really make a difference in the end. So, follow your passion, take a leap of faith and be willing to take a risk and you will succeed. Arrivederci ~ God bless you!
My name is Maria Sammartino Woltmann, owner of Hlavacek Florist of Glenview. My journey began in Burgio, Sicily, surrounded by women whose hands created beauty every day — my grandmothers with their crochet and knitting, and my aunt seamstress and designer. They taught me discipline, pride in craftsmanship, and that the back of your work should look as beautiful as the front. When I came to the United States, those lessons stayed with me to this day.
My floral career really began by accident. In the late 1980s, I couldn’t find faux home décor that felt well‑made, so I taught myself to design faux and fresh flowers as well. One book led to another, one project to the next, and soon I was creating pieces for my home, then for family and friends. Their encouragement gave me the courage to open my own flower shop.
My work is more than designing flowers. It begins with listening — truly listening — as customers describe the look and feel they imagine. It’s trust — being invited into the most emotional moments of people’s lives: weddings, birthdays, celebrations, and even their hardest days. People count on me to bring beauty, comfort, and joy when it matters most.
Success, to me, is knowing my work touches someone’s life. And nothing compares to watching a bride’s eyes widen when she sees her flowers for the first time — that moment when her dreams become reality. And it means doing things right the first time, just as my father taught me. To women starting a business, my advice is simple: learn your trade, be consistent, listen to your customers, and build a team that supports each other and shares your values.
My journey has allowed me to honor my heritage, express my creativity, and build something meaningful from the ground up. Next to having a wonderful family, it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Thank you and wish you much success in you business.
I am the daughter of two Italian immigrants who came to America as young children, carrying with them the traditions, values, and resilience of the Puglia region of Italy. Growing up in an Italian American household meant that family was at the center of everything. Hard work was expected. Education was celebrated. And your reputation—how you treated people—mattered deeply. Those lessons shaped who I am long before I ever became a business owner.
I attended the University of Illinois, where I studied Liberal Arts and Sciences with a focus on education. At the time, I didn’t know exactly where my career path would lead, but I was drawn to helping others, guiding people through major life moments, and building trust. That foundation eventually led me into real estate—an industry where education, advocacy, and relationships come together every single day.
I have now been an active real estate broker for twenty years, with licensure in both Illinois and Florida. Over those two decades, I’ve built my business by staying rooted in the values I was raised with: loyalty, transparency, perseverance, and putting people first. I approach every transaction the way my parents taught me to approach life—with integrity, humility, and gratitude for the opportunities in front of me.
My Italian heritage continues to influence how I work. Hospitality matters. Family matters. Community matters. I treat my clients the way I would treat my own relatives—protecting them, educating them, advocating fiercely on their behalf, and celebrating their milestones long after the transaction is complete. Whether helping first-time buyers, families searching for their forever homes, or investors growing their portfolios, I take pride in walking beside them every step of the way.
To me, success is not defined by numbers alone. It is defined by trust, longevity, and the relationships that endure years after a closing. It is mentoring younger professionals, supporting community events, and creating space for other women to see what is possible for themselves.
For women considering starting a business, I offer two simple pieces of advice. First—believe in your voice and your worth, even before you feel fully ready. Confidence grows through action. Second—build relationships before transactions. Your reputation will become your most powerful asset.
My journey as an Italian American woman entrepreneur has been shaped by my family’s sacrifices, my education, and two decades of dedication to my craft. I am deeply proud of my roots and grateful for the path I have built. I hope my story inspires the next generation of Italian American women to honor where they come from, take bold chances, and create businesses that reflect both strength and heart.
Hello, my name is Jamie DeFilippis, and I am the owner and Medical Esthetician of Vivant Aesthetics & Wellness. My practice is rooted in delivering high-quality aesthetic and wellness services that help clients look and feel their best. We offer advanced facial treatments, expert nurse injector services such as Botox and dermal fillers, and functional wellness therapies including hormone replacement and peptide therapy. Proudly located in Itasca, we serve clients from surrounding communities with a commitment to excellence and care.
At Vivant, relationships are never transactional—they are built on trust, consistency, and meaningful connection. Creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for is at the heart of everything we do. The foundation of how I approach both business and relationships was shaped long before I opened Vivant—through the influence of my family. Growing up in an Italian-American household, I watched my aunt Mary Alessi and my grandparents, John and Anna Alessi, who immigrated from Palermo, Sicily, demonstrate what it truly means to build trust through faith, loyalty, and authentic human connection. I was also deeply influenced by my parents, Frank and Margaret Alessi, who led with integrity and showed me that how you treat people matters just as much as the results you deliver.
As a wife and mother to three boys—Dominic, Frankie, and Santino—I strive to lead with integrity, respect, and heart in every area of my life. I am intentional about passing these values on to my children and carrying them into my work, creating an environment where clients feel supported and where professional partnerships are built on transparency and reliability.
One of the most important pieces of advice I share with women considering entrepreneurship is to build your foundation before you build your brand. For me, that foundation was shaped by my Italian family culture. Growing up in a close-knit, family-first environment taught me that relationships matter—and that they must be built with intention. In Italian culture, community, hospitality, and reputation are deeply valued; your word is your bond, and how you treat people stays with them. Take the time to clearly define your values, your purpose, and the experience you want to create for your clients or customers. Skills and certifications matter, but trust, consistency, and how you make people feel will ultimately determine your long-term success. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and professionals who genuinely want to see you grow.
My name is Antonia Petrosino. I am a Dentist and own my practice. I am also the proud daughter of 2 immigrant parents that moved to the US for a better life. I was born in Chicago and have lived in between Italy and the United States of America all my life.
I moved back permanently 26 years ago with 1 suitcase and rebuilt my life from scratch. I enrolled at UIC in order to have my Dental degree recognized and pass my boards to practice Dentistry in Illinois.
I had my daughter in 2008 and have worked as an associate Dentist, so I could provide and raise her as a single parent. Working all over the Northwest Suburbs, experiencing the good and the bad of Dentistry has taught me what I wanted for my business.
Once my daughter was old enough to stay home by herself, an opportunity simply appeared out of no where and I jumped at the chance to become a business owner of my Dental office. It has been a very rewarding, but also extremely challenging “adventure.” I am very happy that I took that giant leap and became my own boss!
I purchased my practice 6 months prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. It was one of the scariest times of my life, since I just signed a business loan in order to afford my practice and not knowing when I would be able to reopen.
I survived successfully as many other business owners did with extreme perseverance and hard work. Today I am thrilled I made that choice and believed in myself and my skills.
My name is Carmela Caputo St.John and I am the owner of Altamura in Hinsdale, a family-rooted Italian food business inspired by the traditions of Southern Italy and my family’s heritage from Altamura, my dad’s hometown. Our Pizza Crusts, Ciabatta, Focaccia, Pinsa romana, Flatbread are all hand made & imported directly from Southern Italy using the same historic durum wheat tradition that made Altamura’s bread world-renowned. Because of this authentic, & “clean”wheat, many customers who struggle with wheat products here in the US are able to enjoy traditional Italian bread and pizza again. Over time, our business has expanded to include traditional catering dishes, grab-and-go meals based on the family recipes I grew up with, homemade biscotti from my mother’s recipes, artisan charcuterie boards, imported Italian retail products. Our newest addition are in-home pasta-making experiences where we teach families to make homemade orecchiette and cavatelli the way nonna taught us right in their kitchen!
I was raised in an Italian-speaking home and spent several years of my childhood living in Italy before returning to the United States — an experience that shaped who I am and deepened my connection to my culture. The values of hard work, family, and respect for tradition, passed down from my parents, remain the foundation of both my life and my business.
Through Altamura Pizza, I continue to honor my heritage by sharing authentic food, language, and traditions with my community and with the next generation — because to me, food is never just food… it’s memory, it’s identity, and it’s love passed from one generation to the next.
My name is Gina, I live in Glen Ellyn a just opened up my restaurant A Tavola by Mancini. I am a proud Italian woman, a mom of 3 amazing children and a business owner.
My story didn’t begin in a restaurant kitchen — it began at home. After my divorce, I found myself rebuilding… not just financially, but emotionally. I was raising my kids here in Glen Ellyn, trying to figure out what my next chapter would look like. And somehow, I went back to what I always knew: food. In Italian culture, meals are everything. It’s a reason for get togethers, when family and friends get to be around the table to talk, laugh, and catch up.
I started cooking meals out of my home, and what began as a way to provide slowly became a dream. A dream rooted in my heritage — the women in my family who cooked with pride, who made something out of nothing, who taught me resilience.
Opening my restaurant wasn’t just a business decision. It was a statement: that women can rebuild, redefine themselves, and create something powerful from their pain.
Festa delle Donne reminds me that we are capable of starting over. We are capable of leading. And we are capable of building tables where everyone feels at home.
To any woman thinking about starting something — a business, a new chapter, a fresh beginning — don’t wait until you feel ready. Start with what you have. Start scared. But start. Because sometimes the hardest seasons create the strongest women. Buona Festa delle Donne 💛
“My Italian heritage means everything to me,” she says. “Be it food, fashion, cinema, music, history, architecture or beauty in general, without all of this, our world would be so empty. The traditions that we cherish, the strong bonds of our families. All of that makes me who I am today.”
Teresa’s parents, Mario and Maria (Mele) Giannini, were both born in Rocchetta a Volturno in Molise. Maria moved to the Chicago area with her family when she was 10 years old, met Mario while visiting relatives in Italy in her early 20s, married him three months later and welcomed him to America a few months later. “Italian was the only language spoken in our household until my father learned English, and we were raised in all of the traditions of my parents’ hometown,” she recalls.
She continued her education in high school and college, spending a semester abroad in Florence, and has visited Italy regularly throughout her adult life. Teresa inherited a love of all things Italian from her parents, who exemplified the dream of building a better life in America. Maria was a hairdresser who owned her own salon and Mario was an owner of a sewer and water company within few years. “They were very hard-working people who took a big risk by coming to a foreign land. They believed in family and education, and they instilled confidence in us that we could do anything we wanted if we put our minds to it.”
Teresa grew up with her siblings, Adele and Lori, near Harlem Avenue and Addison Street in Chicago, and graduated from, Mother Guerin High School and Dominican University. She earned her degree in international business, worked in the banking industry, This led to a position in mortgage banking. “This changed my life,” she says. “I started out with a fantastic group of people who mentored me and within a year I was in sales and became a top producer after that.” Teresa has been in the business for 36 years .She served as a mortgage broker for Great Lakes Home Mortgage before joining Guaranteed Rate Affinity as Vice President of Mortgage Lending several years ago. “I love helping people in achieving their dream of homeownership, especially those who think there’s no hope,” she says. “I love making their dreams come true.”
Teresa also owns four businesses with her fiancé, Michael Fazio: Draft Bar Chicago, Livewire Lounge in Chicago, Goat Village Live Music & Slots in Norridge and Marie’s Café in Hillside. “We’re big music lovers and we love meeting new people and watching them enjoy memorable events at our venues,” she says. Her son, Marco, manages Goat Village and is a commercial/industrial real estate broker. A person of deep faith, Teresa was a catechist at Our Lady Mother of the Church in Chicago from 1999 until the program ended in 2019. “I worked with third graders and I loved teaching and interacting with them,” she says. “I felt that I could make a positive impact on them. Helping them strengthen their faith was very gratifying to me.”
Way to go Teresa. We are so proud of you.
My name is Lauren Allegretti and I am an endodontist (root canal specialist) in Park Ridge, IL. I have a lot of family in the dental field, many of whom own their own businesses, which helped to guide me in that direction. My dad was also always his own boss and I appreciated the freedom that gave him. In my professional career, I have worked for others and for a company who then sold to a corporate group and both have lead me to realize that working for yourself is the best stress there is.
My great-grandparents came over from Italy in the 1890s and instilled in all of their children a great work ethic that has been passed down through the generations. My great grandfather even believed in paying for everything, home included, in cash although for most that is no longer feasible now. They also believed in the importance of family. Our family has stayed very close through the generations and as one of my uncles would say, “All an Allegretti needs is another Allegretti!” We have always helped each other and encouraged each other to succeed with many of us working together in one way or another over the years. In school, there was always a cousin or sibling a year or two ahead and behind lighting the way. In my field, success is having a practice where your staff is happy overall and get along, patients and other doctors like and respect you, and you’re able to treat your patients how you would hope to be treated.
For any women out there considering a business start-up, my first piece of advice is make the jump. There never be a perfect time where everything aligns but if don’t jump in with both feet and commit you will always find a reason to wait. My second piece of advice is have a group to support you in the way you need. There will be hard days when you need someone to vent to or bounce ideas off of, days when you want to quit, and days that you want to celebrate! Have people in your life who can fulfill those roles in some capacity.
Madonna Fantetti-Slepicka
River Forest Chocolates
…
Jinelle & Jina
MiMi J’s Photography
…
Joanne
Flower Fantasy
…
Maria
Homemade by Zia Mia
…
Nina Mariano
Nina’s Boutique, Clothing Designer
…
Laura Orrico
Laura Orrico Public Relations, LLC
…
Carly Perez
Divine Design Marketing
…
Daniela Tereza
Lots-A-Knots Bakery
…