My 90+ year-old father is a quiet man, most often found behind a book, who tended to teach more through actions than words.  One of the greatest lessons he imparted was his love and respect of animals. My father taught me that it’s not just about the human connection; a connection between humans and animals can be just as strong….and at times we may even prefer our animal friends to our human ones!

– Virginia, Circulation Manager

At seventeen years old, I made the announcement that all hardworking, suburban parents dread hearing: I was going to move to New York to go to art school. While this may have seemed like a flighty pipe dream at face value, I was too young and starry-eyed to choose a sturdier, straighter path for myself. I was told throughout the years by everyone from strangers to family members that there was no money in the arts, and especially no money in my passion of memoir writing.

As it turned out, my college experience was the most enchanted period of my life. While my friends were stuck in classes like “Accounting 101” and “Nineteenth Century British Literature” at other schools, I was soaking up courses like “Riot Grrrls And Radical Women” and “The Art Of The Novella.” In such a small school, I had professors who took the time to know and mentor me personally, no doubt ensuring I would grow to be the writer I am today.

Although post-graduate life was an unsure and turbulent time filled with temp jobs and retail work, I finally found a career in writing at Uno two years after graduation. In this job, I have been given opportunities to travel the country and the world, writing about my experiences, the kindhearted artisans I’ve met, and all of our products, many of which I have watched come to life through every step of their creation. Through many missteps and happy accidents, I found a career doing what I love in a steady job.

This Father’s Day, I want to thank my dad for supporting all my dreams mentally, emotionally, and financially. It was the greatest kindness I have ever been extended.

-Anna, Assistant Marketing Manager- Content

As the youngest of four children, I have always been daddy’s little girl – so much so that my siblings (and even my mom) nicknamed me “the secret weapon.” They were convinced that whenever they wanted something, all they had to do was get me to ask my dad and he would instantly say yes. From bringing home candy to buying us pug puppies, that actually proved to be the truth!

I have always looked up to my father for his unparalleled intelligence, witty humor, verbose vocabulary, and his sage advice. Growing up, I was so inspired by my father’s love of all things French. One day I decided that I wanted him to teach me French too, and from that day forward his unwavering support led to frequent trips to Quebec, moving to France, and many, many croissants. I bet he never could have imagined as a high schooler in his French class that one day he would have a daughter who would live in Paris!

I am so lucky to have two incredibly loving and supportive parents who will always encourage me to follow my heart, wherever that leads me (even if that’s back to Paris, sorry Mom!)

Papa, je t’aime, merci pour tout que tu fais pour moi toujours.

Bisous,

–Carrie, Marketing & Public Relations Assistant

I was lucky enough to have my dad come to every single Girl Scout Father-Daughter Dance growing up…and a mom to scrapbook every memory!

Fast forward 10 years to when my parents came to visit me in Paris – here, we are at the famous Bastille!

Growing up as a little girl, there was never anyone bigger or stronger than my dad. I remember feeling so small in his presence, I always felt such a strong sense of protection from him, like nothing could ever hurt me as long as he was there, surely I loved being ‘daddy’s little girl’.

As I grew older, he supported me in different ways. He always encouraged me to try new things, instilled a strong work ethic through his own example, encouraged me to be independent, always told me I could achieve anything I set my mind to, and even as a young child, he never shielded me from the (sometimes cold) realities of the real world, something to this day I am so very grateful for.

It was his loving but realistic approach to being a father that so prepared me for the times he wasn’t there, like when I moved to NYC for college at the age of 18 (being in my 30’s, I now understand his concern), or traveled internationally for my first study abroad experience, I always carried with me the life lessons he had shared with me all of those years ago.

As much as I have always loved, cared for and appreciated my father, it is amazing how much this continues to grow with my age. I have had the luxury of seeing him be a grandfather to my nephew and two nieces, and it makes me so excited to know there are still so many things we will share. His example has allowed me to know the type of man I want in a husband and father to my future children, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be his daughter.

Wishing my dad Raymond, and all of the wonderful father’s out there a very Happy Father’s Day!

-Lorraine, Digital Marketing Manager

Growing up as the only daughter in a family with three brothers, I have always been Daddy’s Little Girl, even to this day! As a Vietnam veteran, my dad has always been a hero to me, and undoubtedly my favorite person. I have a newborn son, Kyler, and the fact that my parents are retired and can care for him every day while I’m at work means everything to me.

-Minetta, Merchandising Manager

In the handcrafted community, so many artistic traditions are passed down to children by their parents. This way, the younger generation can ensure that their ancestors’ legacies live on, and that these rich practices are not lost to the seeming convenience of manufacturing and mass production.

Today, we focus on our fathers. So many of our artisans carry on patrilineal traditions, from Alessandra and Elisabetta, your favorite handbag artisans, to the Battista family, who handcrafts our delicate glass Christmas trees. All of these artisans have made it their lives’ work to carry on the artistic methods their fathers passed down to them. Every day, with every deft movement of their hands, they honor those who came before them.

Here at Uno Alla Volta, while we may not be artisans ourselves, we still make it a priority to celebrate our fathers. We look forward to sharing our stories of love and gratitude from our team members in celebration of Father’s Day.

Terri S. Alpert, Founder & CEO

T.Alpert@unoallavolta.com