“I’ve always loved the idea of not being what people expect me to be.”
Ciao, I’m Maree, and I’m the creative director behind STUDIO GRAZIA.
I’ve been wanting to write a blog for as long as I could type on a keyboard. But I also know how life has a way of interrupting our best intentions. So, here is my work in progress. Every piece I write reflects my experiences and observations about life & style, amore, travel, and faith. My goal is to keep it authentic and (sometimes) relatable – and I hope you’ll learn something along the way.
Let’s get to know each other. Tanti baci x
Fun facts
- I hold two degrees from Monash University (BA English/History, and B.Litt Philosophy).
- I have full Italian citizenship through jure sanguinis. That means I can live, travel, and work anywhere in Italy and all EU countries without any restrictions. And yes, I can vote in Italy’s local, national and EU elections.
- My favourite Shakespeare play is Othello.
- I’m a coffee enthusiast (I need three a day, minimum).
- My son is named after my favourite city in the world.
A day in the life
My day usually starts with a quick session at the gym before indulging in a strong coffee and a tasty, protein-rich breakfast. Then, I’m working my 9-5 from either a cafe or local library with my second (but not final) coffee for the day. In the evenings, you’ll find me cosying up with a non-fiction novel. My phone is on DND from 8pm onwards. On weekends, I’ll be catching up on freelance work, chasing after my toddler, and going to Mass.
Currently reading
Anything to do with the Mafia in Italy (non-fiction, of course).
My style
I’m drawn to anything that gives me a dramatic silhouette with a stiletto heel. Bold and provocative is what I like best. In fact, pushing boundaries is a common theme in both my writing and personal styling. I feel sexiest in black, and I can’t resist distressed skinny jeans. While I wear minimalist accessories, I more than make up for it with exaggerated elements, such as statement hardware. You could say Fran Fine is my style icon.
My bucket list
- Walk the Via Francigena
- Visit all 900 churches in Rome
- Experience a white Christmas
- Write a lifestyle piece that goes viral
- Participate in a silent retreat
Behind the scenes
Creating content for STUDIO GRAZIA is a labour of love. Professionally, I’m a writer with almost 15 years of experience creating content for a range of clients across various industries. I’ve worked on everything, from blog posts and SEO articles to eDM campaigns and social media captions.
Before being employed to sit in front of a laptop all day, I spent over a decade in fashion retail. While I don’t miss the customers, the pressure to sell, or the drama, I do miss the cheap clothes.
I mean that literally and figuratively.
What’s in a name?
You may recognise me as the artist formerly known as ‘Shakespeare & Stilettos’. However, I abandoned that project after almost nine years of inactivity. My new name, STUDIO GRAZIA, is a nod to my Italian heritage and inspired by the phrase piena di grazia (‘full of grace’) from the Hail Mary — a tribute to dignity, beauty, and the art of words.
Contact me
Like what you’ve read so far? Think we’d make a great team on your project? Have an amazing writing or editing opportunity you’d like me to consider? Contact me on ciao@studiograzia.com.au. I can help you with blogs, on-page SEO, content creation, proofreading & editing, and social media captions.
To be fully transparent: I don’t work on provocative or gratuitous content, or brands with a wanky tone of voice. This kind of work doesn’t align with my values.
HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS
Pasta
Panettone
Pizza