I arrived at a historic palazzo in Palermo, Sicily, feeling entirely out of my depth, but with a tireless work ethic that matched the Duchess’ own. Together we moved through long, highly demanding days - a pace that taught me precision, professionalism and the refined service approach that still defines my work today.

Nicoletta Polo oversaw 14 holiday apartments within her historic palazzo, as well as the renowned “A Day Cooking with the Duchess” experience - one of Sicily’s most sought-after culinary classes. When she expressed a need for marketing support, I stepped in, managing her social media, writing blogs and newsletters, and elevating her website presence. I was originally meant to stay only 3 months, yet those months quickly extended into the full 9 allowed. Somewhere between the palazzo walls and the daily rhythm of hospitality life, I discovered my passion for professional marketing. In truth, it had been there all along; at 15, I had already built an online audience of 24,000 on Twitter teaching French, a sign that digital storytelling was always in my nature.

Throughout my final year at university, I continued managing Nicoletta’s social media from afar. After graduating in 2018, I accepted a position with Amazon in Cork, working in French and Italian recruitment. But the corporate world wasn’t where my creativity thrived. So I booked a one-way flight to Goa, India for the day after my contract ended, to immerse myself in yoga and complete my 200HR Yoga Teacher Training.

The following months were a blend of teaching yoga at a private summer school in Belgium and quietly building something of my own: a yoga retreat hosted back at the palazzo in Palermo. I had just 3 months to fill it, no audience to draw from, and no marketing budget at all. But with strategy, determination and the same digital instincts I had been honing for years, the retreat filled. I was now hosting my own experiences - entirely off my own marketing skill set.

By 2019, I shifted into freelance marketing, beginning as a social media manager. One retreat turned into many; supporting yoga instructors soon evolved into supporting wellness brands, boutique businesses and, eventually, companies far beyond the wellness space. Word of mouth travelled, and I found myself helping brands launch, scale and refine their online presence.

In 2021, I accepted the role of Chief Marketing Officer for a New York-based coworking space. I became the CEO’s right hand, supporting the launch of several of his ventures - including what is now a multi-million-dollar healthcare company. During this time, while living as a digital nomad, I built his in-house marketing team from the ground up, hiring, training and managing 14 remote international employees. The days were long - often 13 hours again - and once more I found myself delivering at the highest level under pressure.

Eventually, the pace caught up with me. I stepped away to nurture the digital marketing business I had been quietly growing on the side for years. That business is now my full-time, wholehearted focus. Polizzi Media is not only my work, but my purpose. I still occasionally host luxury yoga retreats - launching Sun Soul Escapes in 2024 - and I teach when I can, but my passion and priority remain here, elevating hospitality brands through refined, strategic marketing.

And if you’ve read this far, perhaps you’ll be part of the next chapter.