Yes, just that “local” you are looking for. I’m here to introduce you to my corner of the world, the one I grew up in and want to share with you. I can be your expert tour guide or, if you prefer, be “behind the scenes” and organize everything for you, as if I were always there by your side. I’ll recommend perfect itineraries for a day out and activities so atmospheric that, by the end of it, you won’t want to go home.
What motivated you to start your business and what are the core values that guide your work?
A desire to be in contact with people and, of course, a passion for languages. I went to high school for linguistics and, from a young age, languages have always fascinated me-I see them as a powerful tool for connection, although initially I was not clear on the value they could have in my life. After a few years in the office, I realized that my real goal was to use languages to connect directly with the public. So, I decided to say goodbye to the routine of desks to devote myself to something that would allow me to really communicate with people, to be part of a living, dynamic dialogue. The main thrust was really to get out of the “four walls” and embark on a path that would allow me to explore communication and connection in the round. The core values I want in my work are just that: to never lose the desire to be in physical and human contact with people. The thing that gives me the greatest satisfaction is when I can actually feel the satisfaction of customers, not just for doing an interesting activity, but for doing it together with me. That sense of connection and direct interaction is what motivates me every day.
How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired during difficult or stalled times, especially when things don’t go as planned?
I always think that, sooner or later, the time will come when I will be there with the clients and everything will fall into place. Sure, there are times when I go crazy trying to coordinate different times, dates, and needs, but in the end, when we meet or they manage to do what they had envisioned, I realize it was worth it. Even when things don’t go as planned, I remind myself that, fortunately, we are not operating with an open heart! It is difficult to make serious mistakes in a context like this. Expectations may be different from what you expect, but in the end, when you are there, the situation takes a positive turn and you enjoy the moment. I’ve also had particular clients say to me at the end of the event or trip, “I paid you to have something different.” And I, with my usual sincerity, always reply, “This is what I know how to do. You came to learn about an area, the Langhe and the people who live there. If you didn’t like it, then maybe it just wasn’t the Langhe you were looking for.” I never put it bluntly, but by explaining that I gave my best and this is what I can offer. At the end of the day, I always try to mediate and find a balance, even when things don’t go my way.
Is there a particular experience that has marked you over the course of your career that has motivated you to continue pursuing this path?
When I got on the Segways for the first time, I realized how wrong I had it all. For years, sitting behind the computer, I deprived myself of the incredible experiences that surrounded me. Unfortunately, Segways are not used as much now, but that tour was revelatory. It wasn’t so much the vehicle itself that excited me, but the fact that I learned to discover territory that I thought I knew well, but which actually hid corners that were completely unknown to me. That was an important moment. I stopped taking the place I lived in for granted, and-when I saw people coming from outside and marveling at the very things I took for granted-I realized how much more I had to learn. I realized that every corner, every detail I had taken for granted had immense value. When I opened my eyes again, I realized that I had to continue to explore and share these wonders with others. From then on, every experience gave me extra motivation to continue on this path.
If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to yourself at the beginning of your career, what would it be?
Stop looking for an office job, because in the end you build your own office. I like coordinating activities and organizing stays, but being locked behind a computer is really alienating. You end up looking at everything as a number, get lost in the details, and forget that things are more fluid in the real world. A view or a chat with the producers makes you forget the clock and you realize that delays are not a drama. As I said, you’re not doing open-heart surgery, where every millimeter counts. If something goes wrong, it gets fixed, you just give notice if you have to change an appointment. What I’ve realized is that schedules are relative, and if you’re in the field, everything becomes more natural. People get along better or not, they may spend more time together or not, but life is much less rigid than it seems when you’re behind a pc. Here, the advice I would give myself would be to get rid of that “office” mentality first, because I didn’t need a degree to do what I love. The studies were certainly interesting, but they were not necessary to take this path. If only I had had the courage to follow my passion early on, I would have avoided so many years of life that I did not want to do.
What was the most exciting moment in your career, the one that made you realize you were doing the right thing?
Every time I’m in contact with people it’s a different feeling; it’s hard to rank them. The first few tours were definitely the most exciting, because I was rediscovering my land, the people and every corner I thought I knew. The first two years were a whirlwind of excitement, but then, as it happens, some stress and relationship problems also take over. In the end, though, every experience is unique. Even if you go to the same winery, it is never the same: people are different, moments change, and every day is a surprise. And this unpredictability is what keeps me alive and never bored. The first dinners in the vineyard, which were really incredible, although full of problems. But over time I saw that something was changing, that it was working, and that there was a certain magic in the atmosphere. Another moment that made me realize I was doing the right thing was when I saw how customers were relaxing, really appreciating the place and what we were offering. Also discovering some small wineries, run by enthusiastic people, young or even old, who put heart and passion into what they do, made me realize that there is still so much to discover and share. This is what gives me the strength to continue: being able to still find those little insights that surprise you, that human warmth that makes you say you are really doing something special.
Tell us about yourself, who is Francesca outside of work?
Outside of work, I am a super dynamic person who is always on the go! Mom, wife and friend, I try to carve out time for myself, although it’s never easy. When I’m not behind the computer coordinating everything, I like to go for a walk, hang out by the pool, or just spend time with my son. I don’t have any particular hobbies for now, except taking care of the house. I am in the process of renovating an apartment, and I like to engage in small crafts, like making collages or painting old objects. I occasionally get carried away, but I have a lot of fun! I also like to do some “creative change” around the house, like when I decided to customize a bookcase for my husband. He is into soccer and fantasy, so when he needs to fix up his manga collection, I get to work! Sometimes I get a little too enthusiastic, but it’s nice to see that we share the same passion for DIY. We are a bit of hoarders, but we enjoy discovering and experimenting together. Traveling is one of my passions, when I’m out in the world I like to collect little souvenirs, like flyers, which I then turn into unique pieces for the home. A bit of everything I do is a mix of creativity and practicality, always with a smile and lots of energy!
