We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Speranza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has played a significant role in both my life and career journey. At 19 years old, I took the risk of moving from my small hometown in Northern Italy to Belfast, Northern Ireland, without really knowing what to do or where I was about to move to. I just knew that following the safe path of high school and straight to college felt very limiting at the time. Taking that first real risk opened up a world (quite literally) of opportunities for me. By meeting my husband, to getting accepted into university in the UK, to finally move to the US. All the people I have met have shaped my experience and my personality, some for the best and some for the worst. Another risk i took a couple of months ago was reaching out personally to Hutton, the gallery director of Patrick Jones Gallery in Dallas. This bold move showcased my initiative and determination to pursue a career aligned with my passion for art. Taking the risk to put myself out there ultimately paid off, as it led to my current position as the Marketing Director of the gallery.

I can say that by taking risks, I have been able to push boundaries, seize opportunities, and propel my career forward. Moving from Italy to the UK and Ireland expanded my horizons and allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures, broadening my perspective and nurturing my passion for art. Taking the leap to relocate to Dallas, Texas was another risk that enabled me to tap into a thriving art scene and seize professional opportunities in a new environment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am delighted to share my career journey and experiences with you. As a 25-year-old with a diverse background, my professional path has been shaped by a blend of passion, determination, and continuous learning. Having been born in Italy and lived in both the UK and Ireland, I have been fortunate to encounter various cultures and broaden my perspective.

While I graduated from high school in Italy with a diploma in languages and literature, my true passion lies in the history of art and all things luxury. This fascination has consistently driven me to explore the intersection of art, culture, and marketing. Currently, I am honored to be part of the Patrick Jones Gallery’s team in Dallas, Texas. My professional journey has not been without its challenges. My move to the US is the biggest to date as it saw me out of work for months, in a new country, but I firmly believe that resilience and adaptability are essential traits in overcoming such hurdles. I used the time off to take professional courses in Art & Heritage Management and Luxury Marketing by Bocconi Milano, and to scout the Dallas Art Scene for the right position. The job at Patrick Jones Gallery came almost by design, and I couldn’t be happier to work alongside a team of art experts and call such a curated and inspiring place my office. In essence, my life and career journey has been a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion and continuously learning and growing. While it hasn’t always been easy, the challenges I encountered have only strengthened my resolve. I am excited about the future and the endless possibilities it holds, both for my personal growth and for the success of Patrick Jones Gallery.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Great question! I’m still getting to know this beautiful city myself. Some of my favorite places are definitely Design District, with all its art galleries and public art, and the Dallas Art District. I wouldn’t miss a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art, with some of my favorite restaurants being around there. Bishop Arts never fails to amaze me, with live jazz music in the evening, the quirky cafes and the boutiques. Dallas has so much to offer and I can’t wait to find my next favorite spot in the city!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to all the people I’ve encountered during my years abroad, one of these being my husband, and my family back in Italy who never failed to support me.

Website: https://patrickjones.gallery/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickjonesgallery/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mariasilvia-speranza-458b8b251

Image Credits
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