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Rising Stars: Meet Carlotta Orrico of Weston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlotta Orrico.

Hi Carlotta, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Carlotta, and my story begins in a kitchen filled with laughter, warmth, and the smell of something sweet cooking on the stove.
I grew up watching my grandmother and my aunt two women who taught me that cooking isn’t just about food. It’s about love, family, and creating something that brings people together.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve been in love with flavors with the sound of a spoon stirring, the scent of lemons in the air. I worked in gelato shops and restaurants, always learning, always curious. Later, I took gelato-making courses to refine my craft, to understand not just how to make gelato, but how to give it soul.

Then one day, a dream started to grow inside me to bring true Italian gelato to America.
When COVID hit, the world stopped… but I didn’t. I kept believing.
In 2021, my husband, my mother, and I moved to Florida. We started from scratch, with a food truck traveling all over the state, discovering local flavors and reimagining them through the spirit of Italian tradition.

And then, one day, an unexpected opportunity came along: a struggling gelato shop for sale.
It sounded crazy but we said yes.
We poured our hearts into it, and little by little, it came back to life.

Today, that same shop has won Best Coffee in Weston 2024, Best Gelato Shop in Weston 2025, and Best Gelato in Florida 2024 at the Carpigiani Gelato Festival.
Our winning flavor is a tribute to my grandmother inspired by the Amalfi Coast, made with lemon, white chocolate, and sponge cake. Every bite tells a story of her, of my roots, of the love that started it all.

Now, we supply our gelato to top restaurants, teach people who dream of learning this art, and are building our own franchise.
Our dream is to bring authentic Italian gelato across America made with passion, quality, and love, just as we learned in Italy.
Because for us, gelato isn’t just a dessert it’s a story of family, of resilience, and of love that never melts.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, starting from the Covid-19 pandemic that forced me to postpone my departure for two years, I encountered nine reasons to give up on my dream. However, I persevered, keeping alive the only possibility of a rebirth. I faced challenges such as negative influences from acquaintances who turned out to be detrimental, putting us in serious difficulties here in Florida by betraying our trust. Despite facing a lot of work and financial constraints initially, my determination to pursue my goals and work tirelessly never wavered.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am Carlotta, a passionate gelato creator dedicated to crafting unique and high-quality gelato recipes. My work revolves around infusing authentic flavors with top-quality ingredients, a commitment that sets us apart in the industry. What I specialize in is creating gelato that captures the essence of genuine Italian tradition while incorporating innovative twists inspired by local flavors.

What I am most proud of is our journey from humble beginnings with a food truck to establishing a successful gelato shop that has garnered recognition and accolades. Our strength lies in the team we have built, particularly with my husband Michele, whose unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in our success. Together, we embody determination, passion, and a shared vision to bring our unique gelato creations to the hearts of people, fostering belief and connection through our craft.

Our dedication to quality, authenticity, and the genuine love we infuse into every batch of gelato truly sets us apart from others. We strive to create an unforgettable gelato experience that resonates with our customers and leaves a lasting impression

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
To find a mentor or build a network, I believe it is essential to be proactive and open to opportunities. Personally, I have found that attending industry events, conferences, or workshops has allowed me to meet influential individuals and expand my professional network. Additionally, I have actively sought out experienced professionals in my field and asked for advice and support for my professional growth. The key has been the willingness to learn from others and establish meaningful connections based on mutual trust and respect. Being open, curious, and willing to step out of my comfort zone have been crucial elements in my networking and mentorship journey

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