We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Caruso – Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to launch The Bella Rosa Collection, I wanted to create something beautiful, something nostalgic that represented my love of fashion and family. After twenty-four years as an interior designer, I was ready for change. Design and fashion truly go hand in hand, the progression has been exciting and inspiring beyond my wildest dreams. Creating a fashion brand in honor of my family legacy has truly been one the greatest accomplishments of my career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The Bella Rosa Collection offers a bespoke service for women to create a one-of-a-kind handbag for the most important events in their life. Helping women design a handbag with meaning and sentiment has been an amazing journey. The connection between our Italian Artisans and the stories they help bring to life has been so rewarding. There have been bumps in the road of course. The logistics of working long distance with Italy has been at times challenging. Navigating shipping, customs, and the occasional translation from Italian to English snafu has been a learning curve. Over time we have learned to better understand each other and with the ability to travel again without restrictions, I visit the factory several times a year to ensure production is moving smoothly and with the utmost attention to detail.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite place in Miami absolutely includes a visit to the incomparable Vizcaya Museum. This slice of Europe right here in Florida is a must see when in the Miami area. Once you step beyond the gate, a transformation happens. The architecture is captivating, and the gardens are simply magical.

A trip to Miami for me, should always include a visit to the former Versace Mansion. Currently open to the public as luxury Five Star hotel, alfresco lunch overlooking the iconic Medusa pool is a must.

As a designer I like to finish a trip to Miami with a stop in the design district. The expansion of this tiny mega center of art and culture offers the perfect dose of inspiration for the creative soul.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I credit the love and support of my amazing family. The Bella Rosa Collection is a family story, we are a family legacy brand. Having the incredible support of family has been vital to the brand success.

Website: www.thebellarosacollection.com

Instagram: _thebellarosacollection

Image Credits
Rebecca Yale Christian Oth Audrey Snow

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.