My Friend Betty of Inkspired
Recently I met someone I have been following on Instagram for years. She's someone that I was introduced to by mutual friends when I did a book signing event a couple years ago in London at Summerhill & Bishop. Two of the designers at S&B were Italian and of course our conversation led to all things Italian.They asked me if I knew Betty Soldi. "No," I said. "Should I?" They both agreed we would love each other, and so that is where it all began. Last month I had Betty and our mutual friend, Sofie, from S&B over for lunch. They drove from Florence where they both live. Since meeting Sofie at S&B, she's since moved to work for Betty in her business.Betty wears many hats, so that's one thing we had in common for sure. She's a graphic design working for many brands, consulting on packaging and identity. Read about it here. She's written a book called "Inkspired" which is well worth buying if you're interested in calligraphy and the art of writing. Plus she owns and runs three boutique hotels with her partner, Matteo Perduca. Adastra, SoprArno, and their newest hotel, Oltrarno Splendid , and a restaurant, Regina Bistecca . So as you can see, she's a very busy lady. She's also a mom, which she regards as her most important job, to her 8 year old daughter, Alma.
Our lunch was glorious. We have so much in common, and yes this is the start of a beautiful friendship. We talked for hours, and then toured La Fortezza on the most glorious afternoon which was topped off by Betty writing on the walls of our guest quarters. She will be back most certainly as we are plotting a creative retreat for 2020. Please head to her sites, and don't forget to book one of her hotels next time you're in Florence. Betty, I am a huge fan and friend, and I am so happy we met in real life.[video width="480" height="600" mp4="https://annettejosephstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/IMG_5992.mp4"][/video] I interviewed Betty, too. Read below for some insight to this adorable, talented creative creature:
What is your favorite thing to do on your off time?What is ‘off time’ ?! As I am a multi-faceted being, working on creative thinking projects, calligraphic commissions, design consultancy for packaging and branding, co-owner of 3 hotels for which I am the brand guardian as well as managing all the PR for them….my favourite escape time is to be with my 8 year old daughter Alma. She makes me laugh and continuously flabbergasts me with her truth, insights, wit and irony!Who is someone you admire?Let’s keep it in the family, my partner Matteo Perduca, a man of incredible depth, culture and curiosity has designed all the hotel interiors as well as his Regina Bistecca restaurant. This whilst also being a lawyer, and creating these projects as creative outlets and expressions of his being. The passion and personal involvement is palpable in all of the spaces. It just goes to show you can reinvent yourself at any stage of life, and I am in awe of his achievements.If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead who would it be?My younger or older self - i would have quite a few things to say, and to learn from!What is your favorite color combination?A star-filled sky. Grey & gold or grey & silver. Darkness & light.What is the biggest piece of advice you have for someone wanting to pursue and artistic career path.Look inside, not outwards at what everyone else is doing. Yes travel, look at paintings, read. But know that the stars, and a whole universe, is inside of you.Name your favorite spot in Florence.I have always dreamed of working in a living space, for me there is no difference or distinction between work and life - artistic beings never switch off, we are sensitive to, and inspired by, anything and everything. I have found my dream space for my studio - or rather the universe has manifested it and I have butterflies inside of me as well as all around this secret garden in the more artisanal and authentic Oltrarno area of Florence. The adage is “you’ll believe it when you see it” but for me, I have seen it because i believed in it, very Galileo!
Follow Betty on Instagram