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ExpatWomen's Interview with Megan
Bella Vita Italia
ExpatWomen: Megan, when and why did you leave the United States to set up your new life in Italy?
Megan: I moved to Italy in 2003. I had fallen in love with the country on my first trip here when I was 13 years old. I actually told my parents then I would eventually be living in Italy and have my own B&B! So, I woke up one day and said to myself if I don't do it now, I'll never do it. Went to work that day and gave my notice and starting planning!
ExpatWomen: What were you doing before you moved to Italy?
Megan: I worked for a film studio and in event marketing in Los Angeles.
ExpatWomen: How did you come up with the idea of BELLA VITA ITALIA ?
Megan: I had been planning friends' trips for years. Then when I first moved over here I worked in a B&B where I helped the guests organize their daily excursions and even sometimes took them places. Eventually the light bulb over my head turned on and I decided to start my business. Three years later it is a thriving, successful business in which I have already planned over 60 trips.
Here is a company description:
Bella Vita Italia, llc, is a boutique travel concierge company for visitors to Italy.
Our goal is to create the "Ultimate Italian Experience" for our clients.
Our specialized services include:
*Tailor-made Itineraries & Trip Planning*
*Private Excursions & Adventures*
*Cooking Lessons & Meals Ligurian Style*
*Villa & Apartment Rentals*
I now run the business full time out of our home in Lerici, Liguria.
ExpatWomen: What are some of the challenges that you have faced, as an expat and as an entrepreneur in Italy?
Megan: There are always challenges living in Italy! I plan to keep BVI an American company and pay myself as an overseas employee. Less red tape and taxes that way. Liguria is a bit behind in the tourism department, so sometimes you have to have a lot of patience to get things done. For example, finding decent rentals. Most people here just want to rent out "grandma's old house" with "grandma's old things" and not doing anything to modernize/improve the apartment or villa. I spent a lot of time convincing the owners that in order to make a little money they might need to spend a little first. That is a very difficult concept here for Italians.
ExpatWomen: What have been some of your most favorite moments running BELLA VITA ITALIA?
Megan: There have been lots. Recently we had an impromptu 25th wedding anniversary "renewal of vows" on our terrace. That was special and we were so happy to be able to provide them with the right "forum" for their special day. In general, my favorite moments are when I hear clients say "thank you for not letting me have to think!" That is one of the biggest compliments I can get!
ExpatWomen: Megan, What would be your Top 5 Tips for women who want to start a concierge service in their local country?
Megan:
- Know your country! Being a travel concierge means you have the inside track on where you live and what is going on there. It goes beyond being organized. You have to be well-informed. You also need to make sure you know the laws of operating something like a travel service in your particular country.
- Organization. Make sure you can manage and juggle many clients at one time.
- Marketing. Learn where is the best place to market your business. In my case, word of mouth and the internet have been great for me.
- Make sure you have the time and energy. It can be a 24/7 business in high season and one that must always be done at 100% and with a smile.
- Learn how to say no. This goes back to time and energy. Don't take on something when you know you have too much else to finish. This was a major learning experience for me. You want to say yes and please people, but if you can't give that 100% then it's best to pass on that business.
ExpatWomen: Thank you very much Megan we wish you all the very best for BELLA VITA ITALIA continued success.
Megan: Grazie mille!
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