November 2, 2020
Meet Paola Incisa di Camerana of Dolce Amore Rings in Cardiff By The Sea
Today we'd like to introduce you to Paola Incisa di Camerana.
Paola, let's start with your story. We'd love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I left Rome with my business degree and luggage full of dreams, shoes and my favorite clothes and headed to sunny La Jolla, California. I worked in the surf industry, directing international sales for Reef. In 2000, I started a distribution company importing my very favorite swimwear from Brazil that no one could seem to find in the states. What was already a great national brand elevated into a global swimwear darling. In 2008 I partnered with the founder of Despi Swimwear, a start-up bikini brand (based again in Rio).
During that time, I also got married, had two children (Lucas born in Rio de Janeiro, Chloe in La Jolla), lived between four different homes in three different countries and didn't sleep nearly enough! I still remember breastfeeding my children inside our tradeshow booth's changing rooms for the models. After ten years of 100k + miles in the air with a well-deserved 1 Million Miles luggage tags from Delta and the success of those years, I made the decision to kick off the new decade (2010) focused on my family, my friends and my community. During this time, I kept feeding my side hustle consulting for a mix of businesses and brands in fashion, health and wellness, hospitality and swimwear. As timing would have it, with the start of this new decade, I have found myself at the start of my new brand, Dolce Amore Rings by Paola Incisa de Camerana.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It's been a challenging, empowering, winding road to get here. There have for sure, been obstacles and disappointments. I've been lucky to have boss babes friends to help me through it. I've learned the challenges are simply lessons. Listen to your gut. Speak out at the right moment and don't absorb other people's issues as yours. I've learned to trust the timing and be patient in making certain decisions and it has paid off.
When challenges come my way (and they always do), I take a deep breath and try to address it head-on. My advice to others is be flexible to change and open to new ideas while protecting and fighting for your vision, don't let anyone control your dream. As for Dolce Amore, I take a lot of pride in where I'm at right here in the moment.
We'd love to hear more about your business.
What started out as a personal expression has flourished into a small business. Everyone in my family helps out. Dolce Amore Rings are manufactured in California by generational craftsmen. Our gold and gems are ethically sourced and sustainable. My goldsmith and I have strengthened our relationship even more through this pandemic. We're a tight team with high standards. Through hard times, people are looking to buy timeless, sentimental pieces. The added bonus is flashing hearts look so good on Zoom calls! Through the pandemic, we've been able to reach peoples' hearts with our rings.
We are incredibly thankful to spread love. We custom create each piece personally, right down to the engraving. Being small, we've had to build Dolce Amore, one personal experience, and one piece of jewelry at a time. Getting to hear each customer's story: where they come from, how they found out about us and what led them to make a purchase for themselves has been an unexpected benefit that has been empowering and emotional for me. Encouragement from family and friends fuels my fire, and from there, it is really up to how bad you want it and how hard you are willing to work for it. We are known for our signature ring Dolce Amore Classico and the Classico Charm. Keeping true to our brand identity (classic, modern, timeless) is what sets us apart from other jewelers.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, I get a lot of encouragement and love from my family. Chloe and Lucas help with the packing, shipping and sometimes social media. My husband Chad gave me the first ring that inspired the brand and challenged me to always think differently and outside the box. Jessica Agatucci, owner of Tucci Boutiques, is the one who encouraged me to take my jewelry ideas to the next level and was the first business to step up and sell Dolce Amore Rings in her stores in Solana Beach and Del Mar. Tucci is the ideal representation of what Dolce Amore is and wants to be. Jessica Fryatt, web and social media designer, has been instrumental in all of her efforts, support, and knowledge in executing the vision of the business and brand. Mick Ebling, founder of Not Impossible, is a major source of inspiration to me. His work and his call to action completely resonated with me to commit myself to what I do and how I do it. My favorite quote from his book and presentation is “commit; then figure it out.” Keri Parker, beauty brand curator and consultant, has been a great source of inspiration, ideas, reality and dream check along the way, I value her friendship and creative business advice.
My friend Whitnie Rasmussen for constantly listening and encouraging me to take more risks and putting what's in my head onto a piece of paper. Not easy when you speak five languages. Trisha Hegg for her incredible friendship, for believing in me and giving me great business advice. Last but not least, Becca Batista and Maya Friessenn. Becca for her ability to capture my brand vision with her stunning photography. Maya, my beautiful muse, who embodies grace inside and out. She's just the most beautiful soul, and she shares the same birthday as my daughter, Chloe, who looks up to her, so I adore her even more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dolceamorering.com
- Email: hello@dolceamorering.com
- Instagram: dolceamorering
- Facebook: dolceamorering
Image Credit:
Dolce Amore Muse, Maya Friessenn
Lifestyle and Portrait Photography by Becca Teal Batista
Make Up & Hair by Laura Bueno
Product Photography by Ryan Field