It feels a little wrong to call this the “about me” section because, in reality, the story of “Sarah Bolen in Italy” is the story of community, of relationships. Having had the privilege of building many of them over the past twenty years, I can tell you firsthand that they have enriched my life in ways I never imagined. So, I’ve dedicated my career to building them around you, driven by the belief that we need to protect the slow life and the quality over quantity that Italy values at all costs. Let me invite you into my story.

I came to Rome on a whim for a quick escape in May of 2006 after a devasting loss in my family. Italy hadn’t really been on the horizon for me, but I had a few Italian penpals through my days studying foreign language at the University of Pittsburgh. I stayed for two weeks and, enchanted by what I’d found, bought tickets to go right back as soon as I got home. Italy in August is a particularly magical time for the lucky few who have insider access to Italian culture, as I did. Suddenly, I was Alice in Wonderland, marveling at people of all shapes and sizes dancing in unison to songs from the 70s on the shore, hiding from the sun under giant umbrellas and eating pasta with fresh tomato from plastic tubs. The ritualistic simplicity of it all was somehow the reminder I needed that life always continues on.

Since then, I’ve worked as a teacher and tour guide to bring small stories with a big impact like these to audiences that also need that reminder. But there’s a problem. Recently, a report found that 70% of all visitors to Italy visit the same 1% of the country. Unable to sustain that much tourism, local businesses close and are replaced by (usually not Italian) chain operations that are able to handle the sheer volume of consumerism by selling mass-produced products. This is true in all sectors, from souvenirs, to hospitality, restaurants, and more.

Fortunately, I’m in a unique position to help. Through translation and interpretation, education, cultural know-how, and, above anything else, strategic storytelling, I remove the obstacles that make Italy inaccessible to an international clientelle. In our community, we believe in the value of a slower, more intentional way of life — one where food is made with real ingredients, products are crafted with care and built to last, and personal connection matters. We believe that preserving these traditions not only supports better businesses, but also creates a healthier, richer, and more meaningful life for everyone. Together, we work toward a world where the authentic Italian way of life is preserved and shared — where visitors can experience true Italy beyond the tourist traps, and local Italian businesses thrive by connecting with a wider audience who genuinely values their culture.

If you believe that real connection, real craftsmanship, and real stories still matter, we’re already speaking the same language.

Italians, travelers, dreamers — welcome to our community.

I can’t wait to help you experience (or share) the Italy that changed my life and is here waiting to change yours.