A Charming Experience in Italy
Lessons in Craft from a Hidden Shop in Florence
Recently, I had the joy of traveling through Italy with my husband and close friends. Every moment was rich with inspiration — from the architecture to the food to the simple act of slowing down and soaking it all in. But one experience stood out: a small jewelry shop in Florence that completely shifted my perspective on craftsmanship, authenticity, and the beauty of small business.
A Hidden Gem
Down a quiet alley, tucked behind a garden patio, we stumbled upon a tiny charm bracelet shop with no signage, just a craftsman at work. Inside, hundreds of charms glimmered under soft light. We spent what felt like hours carefully selecting our favorites. When we handed them over, the owner welded each charm together in front of us, turning our choices into bracelets that now hold the memories of that trip.
It wasn’t just about the final product. It was the process — the patience, the care, and the way he invited us to slow down and be part of the creation.
Authenticity Over Speed
What struck me most was how different this experience was from any other shop we’d visited. There was no rush, no upsell, no pressure to move quickly. The craftsman encouraged us to take our time. His focus wasn’t on volume; it was on creating something meaningful.
His passion and humility spoke louder than any advertisement could — and the world took notice. Word of mouth and social media helped his shop go viral, not because of a marketing strategy, but because authenticity always resonates.
The Lesson for Branding
That day reminded me so much of why I approach branding the way I do. Yes, you can generate a logo in minutes with a template. But true design — design that reflects the heart of your business — takes time, conversation, and collaboration.
It’s about exploring what makes you unique. It’s about carefully choosing colors, refining typography, creating variations, and iterating until every detail feels right. The process isn’t just about delivering a logo — it’s about crafting an identity you can see yourself in, one that tells your story with clarity and confidence.
At Nat Marie Design, that’s the kind of work I believe in: thoughtful, intentional, and deeply human.
Supporting Small Businesses
Just like that craftsman in Florence, small businesses everywhere pour their lives into what they create. When we share their work, celebrate their dedication, and tell their stories, we help their dreams grow.
So the next time you’re at a local café, a family-run shop, or an artist’s booth at a market — take a moment to let them know their work matters. Better yet, share it with others. That simple act of recognition means more than you know.
Because in the end, good design, like good craftsmanship, is about more than the finished product. It’s about the story, the process, and the people behind it.
