Federica, who was an operator in the tourism sector, was not going to sit and wait for this ordeal to be over in order to start all over again. The Italian expat and mother of two turned herself to her second passion: baking. And today, it is her main economic activity.
Tell us a bit about yourself, where are you from and how long have you lived in Mauritius?
I am Federica, born in Brescia in 1979, married and mother of two children, Alice and Daniel. I have worked in different fields throughout my life: stores, accounting offices, entrepreneurship but in 2006, I really wanted to try myself out in a field I had always dreamt of: tourism. So I started participating in some local events in the province of Brescia like medical congresses, culinary fairs and golf events, slowly approaching international events like the International Yachts Show in Cannes, where I was a hostess translator.
During that summer, I found myself receiving proposals as a resident assistant abroad for Italian clients. It all really started from there, I started working for Italian travelers in Tunisia and Greece until they sent me to Mauritius in 2007.
And how did you decide to settle on this island?
It was quite spontaneous. Needless to say, the island fascinated me, the wonderful colors of the sea, the smiling and friendly people, the mix of cultures and the simple lifestyle... As I worked as an assistant to Italian tourists, I realized that they traveled 10 hours to get to the other side of the world but didn't really take advantage of it. They were going back after having visited little or none of the island. They either stay at the hotel enjoying the beach (but it's not just the sea!) Or they went out on one or two private excursions with an Italian-speaking guide.
Why? Because Italians often do not speak languages other than italian and this barrier makes them feel “intimidated”. From here I understood that italians visiting the island could really use italian speakers to take them around the island and with whom they could experience the destination.
Thus, my company "Autentica Avventura" was born!
What impact has COVID-19 had on your business?
COVID has definitely revolutionized my whole business and especially my way of seeing the future. Since February 2020, the borders in Mauritius, and elsewhere, have been closed so there have been no tourists for more than a year.
Obviously, I can't sit still and besides, being at home all day without a goal was driving me crazy. So I began to devote myself to a passion that I had already kept from childhood: pastry! Every day I baked something new: cakes, croissants, focaccia, bread etc ... and I posted the photos on social networks where many friends enjoyed (even if they had not tasted). From there, some began to place orders. I cooked and started taking private pastry lessons via skype with a truly exceptional Italian chef. Thanks to him, a whole new world opened to me and my passion grew!
The pandemic has temporarily halted tourism. Where did the idea to turn your passion for pastry making into an economic activity come from?
After last year's confinement, I asked a dear Italian friend, owner of an Italian grocery store, if I could display my cakes in his shop. I started in a "simple" way under the name of "Le Torte della Nonna" because they are rather rustic Italian cakes but today the sales are increasing! Since then, I have regular appointments with the shop's customers, especially on Saturdays, when I display fresh Italian cakes, cannoncini and croissants.
Can you recommend some places you should not miss in Mauritius?
A little-known attraction that I love is the tour of the South East islands by canoe. The "captain" on board, expert in marine fauna, takes us around the protected areas of the coast to snorkel and spot sea turtles. Along the way, we fish for lunch, which is served on the beach of a small island (Ile aux Vacoas) in a Robinson Crusoe style. On this tour it's just us and nature! It is truly spectacular. Trekking on Le Morne mountain is a must. From the top you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the southwest coast ... it's hard to get there but so satisfying.
What are the aspects of your Mauritian life that you love the most?
The possibility of living without “prejudices and criticisms” of people about the way you dress or how you are… Life in Mauritius for children is really amazingI have two and it is essential for me to see the children grow up happily on an island where the sun is shining and where they can enjoy the beach.
