Graphic Designer, London, United Kingdom

Good people pursuing their dreams all over the world has been an inspiration behind WOW Woman. Ms. Grasso is an epitome of a talented, kindhearted, driven WOW Woman. A proud Italian, she struggled to find a role in a creative design industry in Italy and after almost a decade of dead-ends she moved to England to build a new life, learn new language and start over in the foreign culture. Immigrants are all around us, but it seems that we forget that migrating within Europe can still be traumatic, not an easy feat for assimilation and other cultural barriers. Stefania described in a succinct way just how she went about relocating to another country, conquering her fears and thriving at her craft.

1. Name

Stefania Grasso.

2. Where is your hometown?

I grew up in Catania, Sicily where I lived for 24 years. I now live in London, after spending eight years in Rome. As a result I’m not sure which one can be considered my hometown. Maybe Sicily.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation?

I’m a Graphic Designer.

4. What did you study in school?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in software engineering and I went to a graphic design school.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? What are some accomplishments you’re most proud of, and what was the turning point to set you on a current path in life?

After my studies in software engineering, I decided that I had to follow my dream to become a designer. I moved to Rome three days after my decision and started a design school the day after I moved.

Three years later I graduated and it took me additional six years of incessant searching for freelance or full time work in my home country to realize that Italy doesn’t seem to support or want to nurture artistic talent. The frustration was becoming bigger and bigger, so along with my husband, I decided to relocate to London where I managed to build a satisfying career. This was my best decision ever and it set me on a current path I’m on. My career and my skills grew incredibly, my personal life has improved as well.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

At 20 I used to live in Sicily, studying software engineering. I thought I would finish my degree and probably move to Milan, work and have a family with kids. Now I’m a graphic designer, married with no kids, living in London and trying to travel as much as I can.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Not me personally, but my better half. I stayed next to him for years, trying to get him back. The hardest years of my life. Eventually, he got back!

8. Advice for other women?

Accept yourself, be strong and conquer your respect and position in society.

9. Knowing what we know now in current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

I see many great women doing courageous things or trying to change the world. These same women are criticized or bullied by men and also receive harsh criticism from other women. I strongly believe that women can reach great objectives but the society, no matter in which country this happens, has always something to say. I think this is a human attitude and it’s very difficult to eradicate.

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I love cooking. Every week I bake sourdough bread for the entire week, keeping up with some Italian traditional recipes. I also enjoy doing yoga, this regenerates my body and my mind.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I dream of becoming a travelling freelancer, selling my art online and around the world. This dream pushes me outside the daily comfort zone and makes me feel more confident in myself an my fuure.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

I tend to criticize myself a lot, maybe too much, which brings up fears of failure to reach my best. My biggest worry is public speaking, presenting my ideas to a big crowd. I’ve never had a big love for public speaking and almost panic when I have to do it.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I would have moved away from Italy earlier, maybe I would have studied abroad and definitely started studying languages earlier.

15. What inspires you?

I’m inspired by nature and travels, different cultures, places and people.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Sunshine, the right person next to you, good health, living near the sea.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

My advice would be to follow my dreams and try to follow the path that will bring me there.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

At the moment I’m reading a book in Italian. I try to read in both Italian and English, just to keep up my Italian and improve my English. This book is by Pif and is called “…che Dio Perdona a tutti”, God forgives everyone.

It’s fun and easy to read, but it has serious background information about the Catholic religion and the attitude of people who identify as Christian. I love reading stories on Egyptian history, one on top of the list is Ramses and the trilogy written by Wilbur Smith.

21. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

I admire my Mother-in-Law for her energy and willpower. She has suffered from Parkinson’s disease since she was 40 and I’ve never seen her in a bad mood. I think that her positivity and courage inspire me every day.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

My design website www.stefaniagrasso.com and instagram: @st3faniagrasso

My personal instagram is @St3fanZia

My travel blog, written in collaboration with my husband www.wetravelinlove.com and our instagram is @wetravelinlove