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CAN'T FIND SOMETHING? |
Business in Vancouver December 30, 2008-January 5, 2009; issue 1001 Sonia Bozzi Founder, Chill Winston Restaurant & Lounge, Age: 38 Success never tasted as good for Sonia Bozzi as when she decided to start a business on her own. Bozzi’s parents had a family-run hotel business in a small ski town in the Italian Alps but moved to Vancouver in 1977. Unable to speak English when she sat for a junior school entrance exam, Bozzi nevertheless went on to do a BA degree at the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in international affairs in Ottawa. But her hopes of breaking into the diplomatic service were dashed after realizing how much theory was involved in policy making. Wanting a more practical, hands-on approach to problem solving, Bozzi searched for another career choice and was handed one on a platter by her father, who suggested she move to Mexico to establish a business producing gelato, an Italian ice cream. Within weeks, then 25-year-old Bozzi was in Mexico City converting a shoe store into an ice cream shop with a Mexican partner. And although it grew into a wholesale business and a thriving franchise, Bozzi grew tired of life there and moved back to B.C. in 1998 to work in her father’s restaurant, Citta Bistro in Whistler, taking it over after he died a year later. “That’s what led me to see that I enjoyed the hospitality industry,” said Bozzi. “It’s multifaceted, it’s fast-moving and I like the fact that it’s not a nine-to-five scenario.” Having inherited Citta Bistro, Bozzi wanted something to call her own, however, and started Chill Winston Restaurant & Lounge in Gastown in 2006, bringing on a business partner. “Gastown has certainly gentrified and there are some great restaurants and retail stores there now,” said Bozzi. “But we signed a lease over three years ago, and at the time, that was still a risk.” While it was a challenge to initially draw Vancouverites to the area, the packed tables suggest it no longer is, said Bozzi, who counts scaling the roof of Africa– Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – as among her biggest accomplishments. • Birthplace: Tirano, Italy Where do you live now: Vancouver Highest level of education: Master of arts in international affairs Car or chosen mode of transport: Jeep TJ Currently reading: Gomorrah: Italy’s Other Mafia by Roberto Saviano Last CD bought or music downloaded: Two Shoes by the Cat Empire Favourite movie: Out Of Africa Favourite local restaurant: Sachi Sushi in Whistler (that’s semi-local) Profession you would most like to try: Canadian ambassador to Italy Mentor: My dad. He had an amazing passion for life and possibility Toughest business or professional decision: To part company with a business partner. It’s a form of divorce What’s left to do: So much! Try my hand at the hotel business and more adventure-based travel |
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