Caroline D’Amore believes her authentic self will shine on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, interview
On the new FOX show, Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, the competing business people are ready to prove that their experience and ambition are worthy of Ramsay’s backing. For Caroline D’Amore, her Pizza Girl brand is more what the name implies. It is a cumulation of hard work, perseverance, and a desire to stay true to her authentic self.
While she has had much experience in the restaurant world, Caroline is the powerhouse behind Pizza Girl. Although the name might appear to be something else at first glance, her line of organic pasta sauces seeks to fill a void in the market. Building on a family recipe, the brand uses the best ingredients to create a product that she would be proud to serve at her family table.
Although Caroline has seen her business grow, the opportunity to be on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars is one that she knew could be a game changer. Simply stated, she said “there is no greater opportunity than to learn from him.”
By choosing to be on the show, Caroline appreciated that it was going to push her. But, she has never been afraid of hard work. In her own career arc, there have been highs and lows. She believes that with hard work and never giving up on the dream, there can be success.
Caroline said, “you have to go through all the failures and difficulties, and I have a long list of them, and I’m proud of all of them because it got me to where I am not. To try and fail, to have someone tell your how you can do better is a learning experience.”
When she launched Pizza Girl, many people questioned why she did not rebrand it to refer to pasta sauces. Caroline was clear, it went back to staying true to her authentic self. “Rather than folding to what everybody said was the better or easier option, I stuck to my gut feeling.” Now those bottles stand out on store shelves and everyone wants to learn more.
The idea for Pizza Girl came out of the simple notion that she wanted something easy, made with quality ingredients to serve her child. After looking at the options on the shelf, she did not find anything that checked all the boxes.
Even though Caroline understands that it is business, for her it is more than just profit margin. She said, “I’m not in this for the quick sale, I’m in this for the long haul.” That legitimately delicious tasting pasta sauce with quality ingredients is just the start. With her drive, that brand could is ready to get prime space on store shelves.
Even though the brand will sink or swim because of the product in the jar, Caroline understands that she needs to know her business. From studying the competition to knowing her costs, being informed is key to getting ahead in the food world.
While all the knowledge is vital, Caroline believes that there is one thing that will set her apart. She said, “I have the heart and spirit. I am not going to let this fail.”
That determination will get her far in the business world and should give her confidence in the FOX television competition. For her, this show was not about the sound bite moment or changing her brand to fit the challenge. It all goes back to her authentic self. It is not a popularity contest. The best person who can check all the boxes will eventually become the winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.
New episodes of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars air Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET and can be streamed the next day on Hulu.
Pizza Girl by Carolina D’Amore can be found at various stores. More information can be found on the brand’s website.