As we step into a new year, I find myself looking back not just on the last year but on the incredible journey that brought me here. Bellemille exists today because of you, and I want to take a moment to share my gratitude and reflect on how much your support has meant to me.
It all started with a single decision—to study abroad in Florence for four months. Little did I know that those months would turn into a decade of living, learning, and growing in this beautiful city. From working in bars and restaurants to leading bike tours through the rolling hills of Tuscany, every experience brought me closer to the traditions, people, and landscapes that have inspired me so deeply.
When the pandemic hit, I, like so many others, found myself in an uncertain place. Unemployed and unsure of what the future held, I decided to take a leap of faith.
With a small shipment of just 70 bottles of olive oil and a lot of hope, I started Bellemille. At the time, it was just an idea—an attempt to share a small piece of Tuscany with others during such an uncertain time.
What I couldn’t have imagined is how much Bellemille would grow and evolve, or the incredible community it would connect me to. Bellemille is more than a business to me; it’s the culmination of all the choices, experiences, and moments that have shaped my life over the past decade-plus. It’s a reflection of my time in the restaurant industry in both the U.S. and Italy, my love for Tuscany’s rich culture and traditions, and my passion for bringing people together over simple, beautiful things.
To every single one of you who has supported Bellemille—whether by purchasing a bottle of olive oil, sharing your kind words, telling a friend about us, or simply following along on this journey—thank you. Your support has meant the world to me. It’s because of you that what began as a small idea during a challenging time has grown into something I’m so proud of.
I am humbled every day by the messages I receive from customers sharing how Bellemille has added to their tables, their meals, and their celebrations. It’s a joy to know that a little piece of Tuscany is traveling across the ocean and finding a place in your homes. You’ve made this dream possible, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
As I look to the future, I’m filled with excitement for what’s ahead. My hope is to continue finding new ways to share the magic of Tuscany with you—through our olive oil, through the stories of this incredible place, and through the connections we build along the way.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for believing in Bellemille, for your support, and for allowing me to share a piece of myself with you. I’m so looking forward to what the next chapter holds, and I can’t wait to continue this adventure together.
With all my gratitude,
Alexa
A Message from Our Founder
