Where do you come from and when did you move to Phuket?
Sardinia in Italy. November 2004.

Had you been here before?
Yes, on vacation. What made you decide to come and live here? The lifestyle and the beautiful setting of the island.

What did you do before you came to Phuket?
I worked all over the world as a chef. (London, Mexico, Sweden, Finland, Paris and of course Italy).

Did you come here intending to set up a business?
Not really. I was planning to get a job, but I liked the business environment and then got the opportunity to rent an ideal location for the restaurant.

How do you approach your job?
With passion.

Whereabouts do you live in Phuket?
I live in Kamala. It’s in between my favourite beaches, Surin and Leam Sing, and is convenient for night life and shopping in Patong.

What kind of car do you drive?
I drive a Chevrolet pick-up, which is handy for carrying supplies and my dogs.

What do you like and dislike about living in Phuket?
I love the weather and the surroundings but I’m worried that the pace of development in the last few years threatens Thai cultural foundations.

Do you have family here?
I’m here with my Italian girlfriend, Marcella. We have two lovely dogs called Billa and Nello.

Could you tell us about your lifestyle?
I like to spend time on the beach swimming and working on my tan. I also spend some time at the gym to keep myself in shape.

Who’s the most important person in your life?
My girlfriend, of course. I know I can trust her and she’s most supportive in everything I do here.

What do you do with your free time?
Go to the beach, visit new restaurants and read cookbooks.

Where is your favourite place in Phuket?
Surin Beach as it is still unspoilt.

What made you decide to come and live here?
I graduated from Rajaphat University in Phuket in 2003 with a degree in Tourism. Phuket seemed the perfect place for me to begin my work experience.

How did you start your job?
You can’t live in Phuket without seeing all the exciting developments taking place. I was looking for a way to get involved in this industry and then I saw an advert for the position of Property Sales Assistant with West Sands. The company has a reputation for progressive and environmentally friendly design so when they offered me a job, I jumped at the opportunity. I think it was the right thing to do. I’ve learned a lot and have already been promoted to Property Sales Manager.

What’s your approach to the job?
Well I’m an enthusiastic and energetic sort of person and I really enjoy the challenge of what I’m doing. I’m lucky to have a boss, Mr. Barry King, who is sympathetic and ready to teach me. I believe you’ve got to set yourself goals and do your best to achieve them.

Do you mostly work in Phuket?
Yes, only in Phuket but we deal with an international client base.

Tell us something about your private life.
I’m the youngest of four children and have no immediate family in Phuket but I do have a boyfriend. I rent a house overlooking Blue Canyon Golf Course. It's really convenient for travel to my workplace.

What do you do with your free time?
I spend time with my boyfriend. At the moment I’m also studying Business English.

Where is your favourite place in Phuket?
My favourite place is home – the serenity of the location, the lush, tropical surroundings and idyllic views of lake and mountains. It’s ideal to relax after a hard day’s work.

What’s your view of Phuket?
It’s the place to be. I love the lifestyle that is on offer and the international mix of nationalities that live and holiday here.