We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chiara And Sasha Bertoletti And Gatti. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chiara and Sasha below.
Chiara and Sasha, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I think I took that from my mother.
She was known in my family for having a crazy streak that would emerge every so often, usually in the form of a big dream—sometimes bigger than she could handle. For instance, she once opened an arcade bar in the early 90s in our small village in Italy.
We almost lost our house when the whole thing sank, and she had to work tirelessly to recover while also juggling life as a mother of three. (That’s probably where I got my inclination for hospitality and my hard-working mindset.) On the other hand, she had a remarkable gift for inspiring others to climb aboard her latest dream ship.
From the outside, it might seem like the arcade bar was a cautionary tale about not rocking the boat and just cruising through life, since the experience left us worse off—but that would be wrong. She never regretted the experience. While she acknowledged her mistakes, she refused to let them define her. Instead, she learned from them and eventually became an amazing salesperson.
From her, I learned that growth comes from taking risks and making mistakes. But I also learned the importance of taking calculated risks, so that, even in the worst case, you don’t go down with the ship.
sasha.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
For the good part of our lives, we’ve been working in hospitality. There’s something about it that feels so natural—maybe it’s that innate urge to share what’s most fundamental to everyone: good food, meaningful moments, and the joy of taking care of others.
We’ve always dreamed of creating something of our own, a space where we could not only share our passion but also give others an opportunity to grow. For us, it’s not just about the product; it’s about passing on what little we know, learning from our team in return, and it’s about how our work impacts the community, and why every small decision, like choosing our egg supplier, matters in creating something meaningful.
Tradition plays a huge role in what we do—it’s the heart and soul of hospitality. But we also believe in having the courage to step outside those traditions, to let in something new and exciting.
At the end of the day, it’s about more than food or service—it’s about creating connections, fostering growth, and building a space where everyone feels a little more at home. That’s what hospitality means to us, and that’s what we strive to share with the community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1.Make a Solid Plan
Start by taking a good look at yourself—your strengths, your weaknesses, and everything you already know. Build your plan around those, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
Here’s the thing: Don’t underestimate the power of others who’ve walked the path before you. The shortcuts they offer can save you time and headaches, but only listen to those who’ve truly been there, made it through, and come out the other side. Everyone has an opinion, but putting your money where your mouth is? Not so common. Think about your exit strategy but Work like your future depends on it—because it does. The key is to act with urgency and purpose and not to wait for the perfect time.
2. resilience
The hospitality world is full of challenges—long hours, unexpected hurdles, and a constant need to adapt. Resilience was vital for keeping us grounded and moving forward, especially when things didn’t go as planned.
Success isn’t about following a rigid path—sometimes you need to take a detour to reach your goal. It’s often about listening to what the client truly wants, not just following your own ego.
Learn to embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow. Build a mindset that thrives on problem-solving and staying positive, no matter the situation. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and keep your vision alive.
3. Empathy and People Skills
In any career, especially in hospitality and service, success comes down to how well you connect with people. It’s about understanding their needs, listening actively, and responding with genuine care. The ability to empathize, whether with a customer, a team member, or a collaborator, creates stronger relationships and a more positive environment for everyone. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about making people feel seen and valued.
Keep in mind: Short-term gains often come with long-term costs. You might feel discouraged when you’re the first to offer help or be generous, especially when people don’t reciprocate, act selfishly, or behave unfairly. But remember, that’s actually the quickest way to discover people’s true colours. It’s a valuable lesson, even if it feels frustrating in the moment.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
In Business and Life, We Balance Each Other Out
While Sasha and I share the same core values, our personalities and strengths are quite different—almost complementary. Sasha is all about action, driving things forward with a natural ability for sales, loves the production side of the business, and is not shy about speaking in front of crowds at the market or in masterclasses. He thrives in the fast-paced moments when decisions need to be made on the spot.
On the other hand, Chiara (that’s me!) is a careful planner, always thinking about the next thing. I focus on customer service, building long-lasting relationships with collaborators, and keeping everything in line financially. I may spend a little more time strategizing, but it’s all about making sure we’re sustainable for the long run.
We may approach things differently, but together, we create something powerful. Sasha drives growth with her action and boldness, while I focus on keeping things steady, ensuring we’re building a foundation for success. It’s a balance of hustle and strategy, and it works because we trust each other’s unique contributions.
Whether it’s social media (my strength) or public speaking (Sasha’s!), we each play our part in making our business thrive. Our differences fuel our growth, and our shared values keep us moving forward. It’s all about teamwork!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/mulino_handmadepasta/?hl=en-gb
- Instagram: Mulino_handmadepasta
- Facebook: Mulino handmade pasta
Image Credits
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