Jacopo and April Bellini
.......The creation of Bellini’s Antique Italia is a heart warming story worth hearing. The international coordination of its two owners is a successful match of style, charm, and brilliance. The winds of destiny were blowing in the spring of 2001, and wrapped its arms around Jacopo Bellini and April Edwards. And the history books adorned with leather and gold guilt lettering are being written.
.......Jacopo was born and raised in Milan Italy, while April is a deeply rooted American girl whose lineage goes back to the pilgrims. Italy rich in history, and culture, embodies all things creative, and historic, and rich, while America is a land of ideas and endless possibilities. The combination of these two countries, their ideals, and these two passionate people, begat and wonderful experience and created a beautiful shop on Cedros Avenue, in San Diego.
.......Jacopo is a fifth generation antique dealer whose family and name “Bellini” originates from the great city of art and all things creative: Florence. While the Bellini name is synonymous with antiques in Florence, Tino Bellini, Jacopo’s grandfather, decided to make a name for him self in the great metropolis, Milan. This is where Roberto Bellini, Jacopo’s father, was born. It is here today you can find Roberto’s shop, Tino Bellini Antiques, in the very chic center of Milan, “Quartiere Brera. It is probably from this up-brining or simply because it runs in his blood, that Jacopo felt the calling to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors. Ever since he was a child, Jacopo would go to shows and fairs with his father, helping Senior Bellini in his endeavors, researching pieces from all over Italy, and enjoying just being around his “papa’”. Even as a young boy, Jacopo knew he wanted to continue the family tradition and open his own business, but he envisioned something a little different than his family, something more international.
....,,,April on the other hand, grew up in a little sea side town in San Diego. Her love for antiquities may be in her blood as well. The treasure hunt for all things fine, and old, and lovely, was handed down from one generation to the next, starting with her great grandmother. The thrill of the find, and the pleasure in the appreciation, is something April could not deny in her self. April also found her self looking abroad for fulfillment. She graduated from USC with a degree in International Relations. But it wasn’t until she met Jacopo that her love for antiques and her knowledge of foreign relations would intertwine.
,,,,,,,It was none other than an antique auction where Jacopo and April first met, first fell in love, and began their first step on a magical journey. Jacopo was only in the States to learn English, but his entrepreneurial tendencies quickly kicked in. He found an importer of antiques in Orange County and became his Italian supplier, and auction manager. Immediately finding a love for San Diego and America, he started dreaming of his own business in his new found city. But it wasn’t until he met his better half, April, that this dream became possible.
,,,,,, The chemistry between the two was instant. As much as they tried to deny what was happening, the bond of love cemented these two hearts together. From the beginning Jacopo told April of his plans for a business. Providing sound business advice, Jacopo turned to April as a confidant in business and in life when it came to the American way. It was only a year later that Jacopo finally approached April and presented her with a life changing decision. “I’m going to open a business and I want you to be my PARTNER!” With out literally a second of hesitation, she said “Yes!” and that’s how Bellini’s Antique Italia came to be. The combination couldn’t have been more perfect for a successful business. Jacopo has the expertise in Italian history and the contacts, while April has the creative ability to blend the Italian style with American taste, not to mention a savvy business sense.
,,,,,,,And so is the story of Mr. & Mrs. Bellini. Yes they got married less than a year after opening their doors.
And baby Bellini???…yes, two beautiful baby boy, "Niccolo" was born in January of 2006 and "Giulio" was born in July of 2007. Mom and bambini are doing very well. Stop by the store to see the latest photos and chat with Jacopo about the latest changes. |
