“I believe that every successful project is born from a subtle balance between aesthetic vision and strategic solidity.
My professional career has been built over the years through the creation of international concepts, where I learned that excellence lies not in noise, but in attention to detail. Today, as Creative & Brand StrategistI make this experience available to those seeking an authentic and distinctive brand identity.
I work to transform ideas into concrete reality, with an approach that combines creative sensibility with the pragmatism of the profession. From my home-studio in Sarzana, I collaborate with hospitality businesses and brands looking to evolve, offering consultancy that is both technical and profoundly human.
My goal is to give voice and form to the soul of the projects I work on, building worlds that last over time and communicate their value with elegance and clarity.“
Career
Melissa Forti has lent her name and image to developing unique recipes for hotels, cafes, her own tea room, and notable venues, such as the Royal Academy of Arts in London. In 2008, Melissa moved to Liguria, where she opened her first shop in 2009. After five years, she expanded and opened her own tea room, called Melissa Tea Room and Cakes. Since then, she has been baking for over 17 years. In 2016, she published The Italian Baker, a collection of recipes that respect Italian traditions, bringing the national pastry shop into the future with her distinct interpretation of many classics. Each cake and each cookie tells a story, reflecting Melissa's travels, her passion for good food, and her love for her Italian heritage. Her first book was a bestseller worldwide. It has been translated into three languages and was #1 in Japan, Germany, and Italy. All of her books have been translated into English, Italian, and German. In 2020, she was awarded the title of Best Italian Baker. Her second book has been released. A celebration of her favorite Christmas recipes, from Italy and around the world. From delicious cookies and pastries to classic Christmas breads and cakes. The book is in its second reprint just a month after its release, and has been another huge success worldwide. 2024 marks the launch of her third book, "Live, Love and Bake." A story about her life, love, and recipes. Melissa participated as a guest chef on Germany's most successful TV show, "Kitchen Impossible," alongside Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue. Her interpretation of the Italian classic, "Tiramisu," became a hit recipe in Germany. She has also worked on Italian television, as a guest judge on the popular TV format, "Bake Off." In March 2022, she filmed the first series of an Italian TV show, "Maitre Chocolatier - Talents in Challenge." She was appointed as a judge for the competition alongside Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli. In 2024, she once again sought the title of New Maitre. Chocolatier. The program is now in its second season. He has traveled the world (Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Dubai, London, Milan, to name a few), collaborating with major hotel chains as a guest chef, presenting his recipes to diverse audiences. One of his latest successes was his collaboration with 25Hours Hotels—a design-led hotel company part of the Accor Hotel group—to create a concept for their new hotel in central Copenhagen, called "Café Duse." This new concept offers an all-day dining experience, from late breakfast to brunch, with a focus on afternoon tea, featuring his signature recipes and renowned exceptional service, culminating in his elegant interpretation of the Italian-style aperitivo.
