Meet the Team

Cherrye founded My Bella Vita Travel in 2006 after moving from southeast Texas to central Calabria. With a degree in Communication from Lamar University, she began her career planning special events and intimate weddings at Walt Disney World in Orlando, then led VIP tours at Disneyland Paris. She later returned to LU to oversee new student events and programming.

As a Certified Travel Counselor, Cherrye manages sales, client relations, and business development at My Bella Vita Travel. She is passionate about providing guests with authentic Italian experiences. Adventurous by nature, she’s always willing to try a new local wine and isn’t afraid to push her culinary boundaries—raw seafood? Absolutely. Organ meat? That’s a hard pass!

Favorite Southern Italian Experience: Enjoying an evening aperitivo with friends in a vibrant piazza.

Peppe, Cherrye’s favorite Calabrian, was born and reared in Catanzaro but has also called Paris, Bologna, and southeast Texas home. He earned his MBA from the Università degli Studi Magna Graecia in Catanzaro and is fluent in English, Italian, French, and Spanish. After working in Park Operations at Disneyland Paris, where he and Cherrye met, he went on to establish a B&B in his family’s ancestral home.

As Reservations Manager, Peppe oversees the booking process, ensuring every client’s journey is perfectly tailored to their preferences. He handles everything from securing accommodations and coordinating transportation to reserving exclusive experiences, leaving no detail overlooked. His talent for building strong relationships with local vendors and partners allows him to cut through red tape and find “the person who can say yes.” A meticulous planner, Peppe is known for confirming (and reconfirming) every booking to guarantee smooth, hassle-free travel. A proud Catanzarese, his favorite dish is morzello—a spicy tripe stew served on pitta bread.

Favorite Calabrian Experience: Savoring the peaceful beaches of the Ionian Sea at sunrise, “before the teenagers wake up.”

Lulu was born in Toronto to a Canadian mother and a Calabrese father. While she has a deep love for Canada, Calabria eventually called her home, and she’s been living and working in her ancestral province of Cosenza for over a decade. Before moving to Italy, Lulu worked as a publicist in the music industry, collaborating with international artists from around the globe.

Since joining My Bella Vita Travel, Lulu has grown with the company, starting as a resident writer and social media expert, and now serves as Operations Manager and Senior Travel Specialist. She keeps the team informed on the latest developments in southern Italy and collaborates closely with management to brainstorm innovative ideas and solutions that keep the company thriving. As a travel specialist, Lulu leverages her keen eye for detail to create personalized itineraries, transforming travel dreams into unforgettable experiences.

Her favorite Calabrian experience involves mingling with the locals during their evening passeggiata. Spritz, optional.

Morgan’s love for travel and history was sparked by family trips across the U.S., but it was her first journey to Europe as a teenager that changed everything. A self-proclaimed history geek, she fell in love with Italy’s cobblestone streets, stunning art, architecture, gardens, and rich history. She spent her days wandering through ancient streets, imagining the countless generations who had walked before her. After college, she met her husband, and together they spent seven years exploring the world before eventually settling down and starting a family.

As “the other American” on the team, Morgan’s warm smile and positive attitude help keep everyone grounded. In her role as a Travel Specialist, she focuses on designing custom vacations and tours outside of Calabria, ensuring every journey is as unique as the traveler.

Her favorite spot in Southern Italy? The fairytale charm of the Amalfi Coast, where her first stop will always be Chez Black.

Gianluca, born and raised in Cosenza, is a devoted supporter of his hometown soccer team (Forza Lupi!) and has a deep passion for history and the outdoors. When he’s not busy with daddy duties, you’ll find him hiking the scenic trails of the Pollino or Sila mountains. He joined My Bella Vita Travel in 2016 as a Heritage Specialist and expanded his role to include Travel Specialist responsibilities in 2023.

Gianluca brings vibrant energy to the team. He loves visiting ancestral towns to conduct heritage research and engaging with locals to uncover fascinating details about the town and family histories of his guests. Always on the hunt for hidden gems, he strives to ensure each guest has an unforgettable experience in Calabria by introducing them to new and interesting places.



Gianluca’s favorite Italian experience is reconnecting with the stunning nature right outside his hometown— whether it’s hiking the rugged Pollino mountains, catching a sunset over the Tyrrhenian coast, or stargazing in the magical Sila mountains, every moment is an adventure!

Domenico, a passionate sports enthusiast, spends his free time embracing the outdoors through skiing, surfing, biking, or hiking. His love for adventure is matched only by his deep connection to his Calabrian roots. Since joining the My Bella Vita Travel family in 2016, Domenico has become an integral member of the team, playing a key role in training new heritage specialists and sharing his expertise with others.

As a Heritage Specialist, Domenico possesses an extensive knowledge of Calabria’s rich history, culture, and traditions. His enthusiasm for uncovering the past makes every journey with him both dynamic and engaging. Domenico’s storytelling ability and his deep respect for the heritage of the towns and families he researches make him a favorite among guests. Whether he’s guiding visitors through ancestral towns, uncovering hidden family stories, or sharing fascinating facts about Calabria’s unique heritage, Domenico ensures each experience is immersive and unforgettable.

Domenico’s favorite Italian experience is relaxing with loved ones on one of the beautiful beaches along Calabria’s west coast in summer, or heading to the mountains in winter to take in the fresh, crisp air—either way, it’s all about enjoying nature with the people who matter most!

Pietro is passionate about staying active and maintaining his fitness, and living along the Tyrrhenian coast in Lamezia Terme means you can often find him running along the seaside. With a deep love for history, Pietro revels in uncovering the rich and often hidden past of the places he visits. Since joining My Bella Vita Travel in 2018, he has become known for his meticulous research, leaving no stone unturned. Combined with his exceptional storytelling skills, Pietro has a natural ability to captivate his audience, making his discoveries even more fascinating.

Pietro thrives on connecting with people, learning their stories, and bringing the past to life in ways that are both meaningful and engaging. His warm personality, enthusiasm for history, and dedication to creating links between the past and present have made him a favorite among guests. Pietro goes above and beyond to ensure that each guest has a memorable and enriching experience, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Calabria’s history and culture.



Pietro’s favorite Italian experience is enjoying a delicious dinner with his family at a cozy pizzeria, followed by an evening walk through the charming streets of the town—gelato in hand if the mood strikes!

Jesse, our dedicated Trip Manager, is committed to ensuring that every guest has a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. With his warm and approachable demeanor, he makes it easy for travelers to reach out—whether they need help with a last-minute change or simply a friendly recommendation. Jesse’s expertise and proactive approach make him an invaluable part of the team, always ready to step in and provide assistance.

Recognizing that travel can be stressful, Jesse takes pride in offering peace of mind to guests, allowing them to fully relax and enjoy their journeys. His dedication to exceptional service means no detail is overlooked, and no request is too small or too complex. Whether you’re lost, need help navigating the language barrier, or want to secure a reservation at a must-visit restaurant, Jesse is there to ensure everything runs smoothly. With Jesse by their side, guests can trust that they have a reliable and knowledgeable ally to make their trip as seamless and enjoyable as possible.



Jesse’s favorite Italian experience is soaking up the sun at one of the many beautiful beaches on the Calabrian coast with endless slices of refreshing watermelon, or gathering around the table for a hearty Sunday feast with the whole fam – pure bliss either way!

Max is the creative powerhouse behind My Bella Vita Travel, always coming up with fresh ideas for new tours and innovative ways to showcase the magic of the company—all while secretly working toward his dream of world domination. Known for his boundless imagination, Max has been part of the company since day one, quite literally! As the son of Cherrye and Peppe, he has grown up alongside My Bella Vita Travel, and his influence is undeniable.

Max is also the mastermind behind “Fun Facts with Max,” a popular social media segment where he shares fascinating insights about his homeland, Calabria. His endless enthusiasm and creativity make him an essential part of the team, constantly driving the company forward and ensuring that every trip is packed with unique and unforgettable experiences. Max’s inventive spirit ensures that My Bella Vita Travel remains as exciting and dynamic as ever.

Max’s favorite experience is enjoying time with his fellow Italians in the serene mountains of Calabria, surrounded by nature, the rich, local culture, and copious amounts of lasagna.