THE STORY: Three friends met in Italy in 2000: one Italian, one Canadian, & one American. Our children attended the same small international school in the Castelli Romani on the outskirts of Rome. We met in the way so many women do, through our children, their school & our shared experiences. We worked together for the school & realized we made good partners—each w/our own unique skills that complemented each other. As the story unfolded, Sandy returned to Vancouver in 2003, Libby to Zurich in 2003 & later to Boston in 2005. In 2006, Sandy opened the first Giardini di Sole showroom in Vancouver w Jo's help. Sandy realized that there was an opportunity to introduce beautiful Italian ceramics to the Vancouver area & also an opportunity to stay connected to Italy & all that she loves there. Jo loved the opportunity to work w/Sandy & to learn more about the tradition of Italian ceramics. They spent much of 2004 & 2005 working together, traveling through Tuscany making contacts & establishing relationships. Jo was key to the successful achievement of this, because of her Italian heritage & her intuitive approach to conversation & negotiation. After returning to Boston, Libby joined her Italian-minded soul mates & worked to develop the business in Boston. Her love of beautiful objects & a shared love of all things Italian made for a natural addition to the venture. In 2010, Giardini di Sole opened its second showroom in SOWA—the South End of Boston. The trio recently launched an online marketplace, now making it easier for Italian-ceramics enthusiasts to make purchases from all corners of the world!
