After 24 years in the United States, filled with countless markets, miles traveled, and the sweet satisfaction of building a life from scratch, our family is embarking on a new journey. It’s a journey that’s been in our hearts for years: moving to Italy.
Why Italy? For us, it’s a place that embodies everything we hold dear—family, tradition, and a connection to the land. Sandra’s Italian ancestry brought us to this decision, but it’s our shared dream that is driving it forward.
In the U.S., we built a life around food—making jellies, bread, cheese, peanut butter, and most recently, crafting pasta. We ran farmers’ markets, nurtured community farms, and sold at market stalls from North Carolina to Virginia. Each of those steps was part of a larger journey, one that now leads us to a new chapter in the olive groves of Sabina.
Our decision to move to Italy is about more than just roots; it’s about creating something lasting. We want to grow and harvest organic olives, make high-quality olive oil, and collaborate with local producers who share our values. We’re inspired by Italy’s pace of life, its reverence for tradition, and its deep respect for food and family.
But this move hasn’t come without sacrifices. Fiamma, Caspian, and Cody have decided to remain in the U.S. as they carve out their own paths, and leaving them behind has left us a bit heartbroken. It’s bittersweet to start this new chapter knowing that part of our family will be far away. Still, we take comfort in the memories we’ve created together and the bonds that will endure across the miles.
This is a leap of faith, but one we’re taking with full hearts. We’ve spent over two decades writing a story of resilience and reinvention in the U.S., and now we’re ready to write the next chapter in Italy.
We hope this blog will be a space to share our journey—the challenges, the triumphs, and the everyday moments that remind us why we chose this path. Thank you for joining us as we take these first steps into a new beginning.
Stay tuned for the next one: Getting Ready For The Big Jump!
Sandra, Fermin, and Fabian