Simona came to Costa del Sol 4 years ago from Parma in Italy with her daughter, looking for a new life and new opportunities, and unexpectedly found her Italian style in demand in Torremolinos.
EWN: What made you decide to move to the Costa del Sol?
Simona: “What you earn in Italy is similar to Spain, but everything is so much more expensive. It’s become impossible to live there. We looked at other areas of Spain, including Alicante, but we fell in love with the Costa del Sol.”
EWN: What made you decide to start making handbags?
Simona: “I saw this Arabian girl online giving tutorials on making bags and thought I would like to have a go.” The results exceeded Simona’s expectations, and she began making them for friends and family too. Now, her business is thriving as she is constantly receiving orders for personalised original handbags and purses in a plethora of colours, materials and closures.
Credit: Azzurra
Simona, working at what she loves
Once she finishes her day job at Casa Pepa in Torremolinos, it’s back home again to work on more orders. She began with just one size – 15 by 20 cm – but is now branching out into bigger sizes, each one totally original and exuding Italian styling.
The key to the success of Simona’s accessories? Simplicity, personalisation and above all quality. No one else is likely to be carrying one just the same, and as she is beginning to introduce new materials, clasps and straps, she, and the brand she has created, Azzurra, mean she will be extremely busy now that she has found her Costa del Sol inspiration.
EWN: How have you found adapting to the Spanish way of life?
Simona: “It’s fine. My Spanish is getting much better now, better than my English, and now I am meeting more and more people. Recently, Simona got married in Torremolinos, and it looks like she will be here for a long time.
EWN: Can you ever see yourself returning to live in Italy?
Simona: “No. I’m happier than ever now I’m on the Costa del Sol.”