Expat Stories: Digital Strategist in Milan
Like so many expats living in Italy, Elena Cipretti’s story of moving from New York City to Milan isn’t linear. She originally visited Italy as a high school student, and then made it her mission to create a life in Italy. A friend of mine, her passion and drive have always been inspirational to me. I really admire the way she sets her mind on something and takes active steps to achieve that goal. She’s created a wonderful life for herself not just in Milan, but also Palermo, which is why I’m so excited to feature her today on our Expat Stories series.
WHY DID YOU MOVE TO ITALY? AND WHEN?
I may have an Italian name, yet I am a true New Yorker. I was born and raised in The Bronx, New York and first came to Italy on a high school trip in 2006. The moment my feet landed on Italian soil I knew I was meant to live here. I immersed myself in Italian films and music and studied the language. I had the privilege to come back to spend a month studying art history in Florence and then a semester in Milan during college. I couldn't wait to start my life in Italy, and I made the move in 2011 when I started a Master's Degree in Milano.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? HOW DID YOU END UP THERE?
I live in Milano amongst the skyscrapers of the Isola neighborhood. Over these last 10 years, I spent a great deal of time traveling around Italy and Europe for both work and pleasure until last year when COVID hit. I was living out of a suitcase and was so happy to discover different parts of this beautiful country. One of my favorite places to visit is Sicily, and in 2018 I moved to Palermo for two years where I would start my days with a walk on the beach and ride a scooter around the city. I moved back to Milan for work opportunities, and I feel happy to be back in my "home away from home".
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING? AND HOW DID YOU END UP IN THAT INDUSTRY?
I'm a digital strategist for luxury brands, which means I help both big and small companies attract new clients through their website, social media, press coverage, and all-around digital presence. I studied Communications, which taught me the importance of understanding the values of the brand and what makes it unique, and expressing it in a way that connects to the target audience. My first job was as a production freelance at RAI (Italian National Television) in New York, and since then I've worked with many Italian companies including Ermenegildo Zegna, La Repubblica, Lavazza, and more.
WHAT IT’S LIKE WORKING FREELANCE IN ITALY? AND WORKING AS AN EMPLOYEE IN ITALY?
Working as a freelance is an adventure! It's amazing to work on such a wide array of projects, from shoe brands to luxury travel. Italians are all about references and trust, and I have been blessed to attract most of my clients through word of mouth. Working as an employee always felt like being a part of a family, as Italians tend to become very close to their coworkers and spend a lot of time together also outside the office.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? EITHER WORK-WISE OR ON A PERSONAL LEVEL?
I'm proud of using my talent to help others and watching them shine. For example, I'm a part of the Consultative Committee of the SouthWorking project, and it's been amazing to watch them get so much amazing press coverage both nationally and internationally to help them attract talent to work remotely in Southern Italy.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS TO EAT, GO OUT AND EXPLORE AROUND WHERE YOU LIVE?
Milan is such a fabulous city with so many hidden gems. I love to go for long walks around Brera and the Giardini Pubblici. For coffee, you can find me at the Armani Hotel Bamboo Bar and Gelsomina. I love international food as I am a bit homesick for New York at the moment, and my favorite spots are Chihuahua Tacos, Rangoli, Yuzu and Temakinho.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU WISH YOU WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE COMING TO ITALY
Patience is a virtue. There's a much slower pace than New York, but this has also taught me to savor the wonderful things in life.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO SOMEBODY WANTING TO MOVE TO ITALY?
Learn to smile when things don't go as planned. I remember in situations like when the plumber is two hours late or I didn't know how I had to bring a certain document for my new carta d'identita. With a bit of patience and a big smile it will all work out. That seems to be the secret to life here :)
Check out Elena's work at https://www.elenaciprietti.com and follow Elena her on Instagram
Have you moved to Italy and you’d like to share your experience? Sound off in the comments below! Or perhaps you have a question about My Real Story of Moving to Italy. Either way, I’d love to hear from you and read your comments.
