The Gilded Bellini Turns 3! | Reflecting on Three Years
3 YEARS?! I can’t believe that on March 11th, 2016 I launched The Gilded Bellini. I’ve finally reached this milestone! I’m so excited about it, it actually feels like my birthday, but better. 3 years has certainly flown by and I am proud of what The Gilded Bellini has grown into. Of course, the last 3 years have not always been a breeze with trying to get TGB to where it is now, and to what it’s evolving into. This site has opened up so many doors for me and my career and I can honestly it has been the one thing in my life that I have felt completed me. No job or person can fill the space in my heart or mind where TGB has filled. I know it may be difficult to understand that from an outside standpoint, but if you look at it from a position of an entrepreneurial level you may get a sense of how I feel.
The last 3 years have been filled with lots of ups and downs - moments that were truly surreal and others that were disappointing. I’m always super vocal about the behind the scenes of TGB in a sense that nothing is ever handed to me, and I genuinely sacrifice A LOT to make things happen for my brand which includes money, time and limiting social activities which I once invested a decent amount of energy in - I’ve learned how to manage my time and my priorities in an organized and responsible way. What a lot of people don’t realize is that I’m on the verge of 27 and I have normal, twenty-something year old professional and social desires, but because of TGB I have to sometimes say no to a lot of things. There’s nothing bad about it, but it’s something that not all people my age have to think about. TGB has enabled me to grow into a business woman with a creative drive to continue building my brand and adapting to the changes in the landscape of the ever-changing and competitive world of media. The Gilded Bellini has helped to allow for some incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunities (remember Gordon Ramsay + hosting on FOX 5 San Diego?!), and has allowed me to truly become the best version of myself. I have been put in very pivotal situations involving all aspects of business, creativity and genuinely, leaving behind any fear or insecurity in putting myself and my brand out there. The Gilded Bellini has shown me through time, exactly what direction I want to go in my life.
The Gilded Bellini has been something that I take more seriously now more than ever. I don't really remember what life was like without having this outlet and the freedom to constantly create and execute any visions I have, meet new people and get to do things I have always dreamed of doing. It’s really my baby!!!
A Few of My Favorite Highlights
Collaborating with Z Gallerie: Creating my first signature holiday cocktail called The Z Bellini in partnership with the company, exclusive to Z Gallerie. I hosted and produced the holiday event at its Mission Viejo store, bringing both new and existing customers and followers to TGB + Z. The event was a celebration that brought a ton of people together during the holiday season that drove sales for Z Gallerie and (overwhelming!) interest in The Z Bellini cocktail recipe as well as my home entertaining tips.
Hosting on the red carpet for the San Diego Film Awards
Being a part of Facebook Watch’s 365 Days of Love by Sofia Vergara
Celebrating and learning about St~Germain for the brand’s annual Maison St~ Germain summer event
A BIG THANK YOU...
I want to thank every person who has ever believed in me and followed TGB throughout the last few years leading up to this milestone. The Gilded Bellini's success would have never come this far without the support of my close friends, family and new friends I have made along the way. I also want to thank my AMAZING, TALENTED & DEDICATED team: Rebecca & Patrick. Without you, I could never make any of my visions a reality. Thank you for sticking by my side every step of the way.
Because of you, The Gilded Bellini continues to flourish into something so special that feels so surreal and allows me to continue building what I am so passionate about. TGB is more than brunch, but celebration of a lifestyle and a social experience that brings people together.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has read any of my posts, watched my videos, engaged with any content I have put out into the world… If we've met this past year in person, exchanged a few words on social media, or even just said an "Oh, I think I know you!" to one another in passing, I am grateful to have connected with you. I started this blog to be able to have a platform to bring people together that goes beyond just brunch. But hey, brunch is a great way to start! And the fact that it has been the foundation for so many new relationships, collaborations and growth has been such a blessing. Brunch is part of our culture, and I am so happy to be able to honor this fun lifestyle in a way most of us can relate to... at least I try my best to!
My goal of all The Gilded Bellini content is for you to have a true social experience and an escape, whether it's through writing, video or imagery. Thank you for all of your support since day one. I hope that you continue to join me on this gilded journey... and I look forward to another incredible year with you! Here’s to year 4! Cheers!
Photography by: Rebecca Gnasso
