Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started working in top restaurants all around the country. Made an appearance on an episode of “My Family Recipe Rocks!” With Joey Fatone on ABC Network and my cousin Deano Odierna. We had an amazing time filming with our fellow paisan Joey, you can check out the show;  https://youtu.be/LQ2iDQK9ir8

Then I stepped out on my own starting a meal prep company, working as a private chef for individual clients as “Amore in the Kitchen,” and teaching cooking classes. In 2015, a special someone showed me all the beautiful places in TN to make me completely fall in love.

Years later, I moved to TN and immediately realized that they needed something new that didn’t exist. “The Hot Italian” was born out of necessity, I quickly realized that there wasn’t any Italian Deli’s around especially the kind that I was used to growing up.

My idea was built from passion and to create nostalgia for everything great that I remember growing up such as family, good food, and traditions.

The Italian Deli is the greatest sensory show on earth, a wonderland of sights, sounds, and tantalizing smells. Slabs of imported prosciutto di parma, mortadella and hot sopressata waiting to be sliced. Loaves of crispy fresh baked bread freshly made mozzarella waiting to be smothered, and the smell of fresh homemade sauce. For whoever hasn’t experienced this before I would love to introduce this to them.

I am striving to create a legacy for my son and give him a sense of pride by teaching him work ethic at a young age, just like what my grandfather taught me who owned a Butcher Shop. Not wanting to necessarily have a brick-and-mortar I decided to find a Vintage camper and build it out on my own.

I wanted to create a one of a kind experience and be mobile to reach as many people as possible. We will be available for pop-ups, parties, and weddings.

It has been quite an adventure just to find the “Chateau” a 1971 Cavalier Camper. Not having any experience in the building department, I immediately did a ton of research. It was a complete labor of love, highs, lows, blood, sweat, and tears but completely worth it!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It had not been a smooth ride at all. I had no clue what I was doing with my build or where to start. It was exciting but overwhelming. I was determined to get it done and nothing would stop me.

Since the camper was vintage and curved and not just a simple box trailer, I ran into so many issues but with trial and error, I got it done. I used Falcon Fabricators in Nashville to make a custom sink and sandwich prep station.  This took many calls and internet searches but luckily, I found them, and they were able to customize to my exact specifications.

I took several trips sometimes on the same day for hardware, shiplap, faux brick, to many hardware stores. I really wanted all my creative ideas for my vision to have a clean and old-school look inside. Many things I had no clue about and could not find people to help so as an entrepreneur sometimes you just have to figure it out yourself, have faith and never give up.

Next was finding all the right ingredients. It has been a battle to find the best meat, cheese, and bread for my delicious creations. With endless phone calls and research, I have found the best locally and imported ingredients. I will proudly be using fresh organic herbs and tomatoes grown on my farm.

The bread will come from Savarino’s, a Sicilian baker located in Columbia, TN with NY roots. Everything I will use will be top-quality ingredients and products mainly imported from Italy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in making amazing Italian food and Gourmet Deli Specialty sandwiches with flavors from Italy and Sicily. I am most proud of creating a unique experience hopefully one people won’t forget through the delicious food that I grew up with from big inner-city neighborhoods and the streets of Italy and Sicily.

I am most proud of creating a business on my own that is unique and built from the ground up. It will touch people’s lives to give experiences filled with “Amore” love in Italian to make their hearts happy, mouths water, and stomachs full. Everything comes from love, it’s the Italian way of life, “La Dolce Vita” the sweet life.

What sets me apart is we will be operating out of a one-of-a-kind vintage trailer that was custom built not from an expensive fabricator to be dropped off and picked up when done; Instead by a creative entrepreneur, chef, and mother who never gives up on her dreams.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
Anyone who would like to start a new business and is unsure where to begin pick up a phone immediately, make phone calls, ask questions to successful entrepreneurs.   Years ago, I worked as a reporter and had the gift of gab, so I was not afraid to ask questions and talk to people. Learn from other people’s mistakes or experiences is key.

In my planning process, I knew there were several things I did not want to do because I learned from others. Look to experts in your desired field who are very successful. I reached out to many people I did know who were doing extremely well and other top people in my field who had no clue who I was. You would be surprised at how many people can advise you or help you because the fact is everyone started somewhere.

Have a business plan, make sure you map out everything you need, and check off as you go. Getting and staying organized is super important. Many things will come up and documents than will be needed. Create an organized system that is effective.

Do your research online look for videos, articles, or interviews, learn as much as you can, be obsessed to be the best, then just go for it! Life is short and you will only regret what you didn’t try!