Hello, I’m Gabriella, founder and designer of Wearshop. This is probably one of the most intimidating things I’ve done in some time, which is, to do a piece about me.
When I was younger, living in Florence and working as a junior handbag designer, I went through the interview process at Ferragamo.
By the third round, they asked me:
“Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”
Without hesitation, I said: “I’m going to start my own brand.”
Ten years later, I did.
I launched Wearshop with the name Wearshop for a few reasons. The word reminded me of Andy Warhol’s The Factory, the space he used in New York when he began in the 60’s to do his art and throw his parties. This idea of having a collective of like minded individuals to work on something that everyone connected on made sense to me. This idea of building something alongside artisans and suppliers, creating a beautiful, sustainable product, together. That was the vision. Well, kind of.
The truth is, I didn’t start Wearshop in perfect conditions, far from it. But sometimes, the imperfect moment is the one that pushes you to begin. Right now I won’t be getting into these details, but let’s just say, not exactly the textbook time to launch a business.
Beause the thing about life is, if you wait for the perfect time, you’ll always find a reason not to do the thing you really want to do. Time moves on, with or without you.
And you are gonna make a million mistakes trying. Might as well get on with it as soon as you can. And since I’d dreamed of having my own brand since I was a kid… I just dove in. Chaos and all.
I read and I read and I read. I read biographies, personal development books, and listened to a million podcasts on entrepreneurs. I threw myself into the entrepreneurial world, business programs, accelerators, cohorts.
I traveled to Italy and New York to start building relationships.
I still remember taking the train through Tuscany for the first time, barely any money in my pocket, on my way to meet with suppliers.
I looked out the window and thought, I’m actually doing it. I’m living my dream.
The truth is, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Add in a global pandemic, an economic crisis, and now a tariff war with the US (amongst all the other global horrors going on), let’s just say, it’s been a ride.
Going through conflicts and challenges as an entrepreneur is nothing original. It’s part of the gig. But here’s the thing. I really love what I do. I’ve been a designer my whole life. And designing, being close to beautiful materials, thinking about the construction, the finishings, the fine details of a product, this is home for me. This is my language- it’s what I know.
And the reason I’m sharing this now is because… as much as I embrace technology, AI, and all the advancements that come with it, I’m still someone who deeply values human connection.
That’s why every Wearshop bag is signed and dated by the artisan who made it — as an ode to craftsmanship.
Because in a world that moves fast and demands more content every day, we can lose sight of what’s real. And that’s not me. That’s not Wearshop.
What’s beautiful, meaningful, and lasting, it’s not mass-produced.
It takes time. It takes intention.
Wearshop is made to last.
So you can grow with it. Make memories with it. Let it become part of your story.
It’s not easy to stay independent, to grow slowly, and to hold onto your values in a world that wants everything yesterday.
But it’s possible.
And it’s worth it.
To my clients who have been with me from the beginning, writing me kind emails, coming back again and again, thank you.
You make this whole ride worth it.
I hope to keep growing together.
