Issue #76

Valentina Imbrenda

Il Sole

I was born in Torino, Italy, at the age of 13 my parents sent me to UK to Boarding School to learn English, and it’s during those years that I became the person I am today. After College I went back to Italy and tried to live and grow my origins, but the thirst of a much different lifestyle was way stronger than I thought, so I once again left Italy to land in Miami that with its pros and cons has given me the possibility to live “The American Dream”.

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What do you do in your life (work and fun)?

I’m a server at one of Miami’s busiest restaurants in Ocean Drive. I take pride in my job, I love what I do, and if there’s one thing I’m great at is this, serving people. In my spare time I go to the beach, obviously, and spend time with the fewer friends who have now become my family here.

What made you leave Italy and chose Miami?

Italy was always “too small” for me, I tried my best to accommodate my parents’ wishes of being the perfect girl, with the perfect job and the perfect look, but you can’t pretend to be someone else forever… my time was over, I needed to be who I wanted to be. Miami has always been my secret dream…so I stopped dreaming; I woke up, and started living!

Please share your best memory in the City.

Every day in this city is memorable. The one memory that quickly goes to the top of them all…my first birthday here…the effort the 2 most important friends I have here made in order to make me feel loved and special…I could never forget, my eyes watered as they looked into my eyes and wished me happy birthday.

What made you choose this specific location and outfit?

I chose Wynwood because no other place in Miami resemble me more. The need to express whatever it is that one has inside. Someone decides to do it through art on a wall, someone like me through a haircut, a tattoo, and a few piercings.

Your thought about this project, ITALIANY.US

I think this project confirms to all of us Italians in the USA that we made the right choice in pursuing our dream, and that it’s of expiration to all those who are slowly dying in our country that can no longer offer a future.

How would you describe being an ambassador of the italian style/culture abroad?

Being an Italian in Miami for me is one of the greatest thing. It’s fun, and gives me the opportunity to still feel proud of my country.

  • Shots

    71

  • Time

    120 mins

  • City

    Miami

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A visual celebration of Italians working, living and loving in NY and in the US