Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tessa Bertamini. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tessa, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Oh, where to begin? Let’s just say it’s been a journey—and one I’m still very much on. I haven’t mastered self-confidence, but I’ve learned to embrace the process. Here’s the tea:
–> Doing the hard stuff – The things I thought were totally out of my league? Yeah, I did them anyway. Not perfectly, but enough to realize, Oh, hey, I didn’t crash and burn! Even tackling a tiny piece of a hard task gives me the confidence boost to keep going.
–> Getting comfy with a little embarrassment – Trying something new or going after a goal in public can be awkward, sure, but people are way more focused on their own thing than on whatever awkward thing you think you’re doing.
–>Therapy, therapy, therapy – I’ve been in therapy for a few years, and it’s been a goldmine of self-discovery. I’ve learned to understand what dims my confidence and why, which has helped me tackle those feelings head-on. Total game-changer.
–> Caring less about opinions – Other people’s, that is. Turns out, worrying what others think is a one-way ticket to self-doubt. So, I made the decision (with a healthy dose of trial and error) to let go of that noise.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At Amore Austin, we’re all about making magic happen—but specifically proposal magic. We’re a full-service event planning company dedicated exclusively to marriage proposals. From location scouting to hiring trusted vendors, providing decor, and handling set-up and clean-up, we cover every detail to create a stress-free, unforgettable moment.
We’ve been at it since May 2020, and over the past five years, we’ve proudly become Austin’s go-to marriage proposal planners. We serve all couples and believe that everyone deserves a proposal that feels as special as their love story.
One thing we’ve noticed? Proposing is often seen as something that’s more important to the person being asked, but the pressure on the person proposing is SO real. We often hear how overwhelming the planning process can be, which can turn what should be an exciting moment into a stressful one. Our job is to flip that script, helping proposers feel confident, present, and just as celebrated.
We offer two types of experiences: Pre-Set Proposal Experiences, which are beautifully pre-planned packages, and Custom Proposal Experiences, tailored to every unique couple. We’re also lucky to work with an amazing roster of local venues and vendors—seriously, they’re the MVPs who help us create those jaw-dropping moments.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Creative Problem-Solving
Being able to spot gaps in the marketplace is key—ask yourself what’s not working, how others are solving it (if at all), and how you can bring your own unique twist. This might feel intimidating in the service industry, but it’s the same principle behind any innovative product: see a need, create the solution. And remember, there’s never just one way to solve a problem. Lean into your unique life experiences and perspectives to explore alternative approaches.
Advice: Start by observing the world around you—what frustrates you, what feels “off,” and what would make it better? Experiment and don’t be afraid to fail; every misstep gets you closer to a breakthrough.
2. Adaptability
Let’s be real—nothing works perfectly right out of the gate. When you create something, it can feel like a gut punch to realize it’s not quite hitting the mark. The trick? Be open to feedback, take note of what’s not working, and refine, refine, refine. Adaptability isn’t just about reacting; it’s about learning to welcome change as part of the process.
Advice: Treat every misstep as valuable data. It’s not about getting it right the first time; it’s about building something better with each iteration.
3. Figure-It-Out Mindset
Blueprints and guides are great when you’re starting out, but there’s only so far they can take you. At some point, you have to decide, “Okay, I’ve learned enough to start—I just need to do it.” And yep, a lot of times it won’t go as planned. That’s okay! Nobody’s coming to magically hand you the answers. It’s up to you to experiment, fail, tweak, and try again.
Advice: Don’t let analysis paralysis hold you back. Take action, even if it’s messy. Over-preparing might feel productive, but the real learning happens when you put yourself out there and start figuring things out as you go.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Most Impactful Things My Parents Did for Me
One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was giving me the opportunity to live overseas while I was growing up. Before I turned 20 and moved to the U.S., I had lived in Hong Kong, Australia, Shanghai, and Singapore. It’s something I recognize isn’t common, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences it gave me.
At the time, I didn’t fully understand the impact this lifestyle was having on me or how it was shaping the way I approach life. But over the past decade, it’s really sunk in. Living in so many different places taught me how to adapt quickly, communicate across cultures, and find my footing in new environments. It made resilience second nature and helped me get comfortable with being uncomfortable (as cliché as that might sound).
One of the biggest takeaways has been learning to connect with people. Growing up in new places every few years meant finding common ground with strangers became a skill I didn’t even realize I was building. It also gave me a deep appreciation for anyone who is “new”—whether that’s to a city, a workplace, or a community—and how much courage it takes to start over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amoreaustin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amore_austin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amoreatx/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amoreaustin
- Other: Google
https://g.co/kgs/YTXtVPX
Image Credits
Personal: Alicia Leigh
Additional 1: Sarah Tribett
Additional 2: Alicia Leigh
Additional 3: Logan Fahey
Additional 4: Taylor Green
Additional 5: Kelly O’Connor / Floral Tiffany Larson Designs
Additional 6: Taylor Green
Additional 7: Logan Fahey / Floral Tiffany Larson Designs
Additional 8 – Riley Glenn
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.