From LA to the Italian Countryside: How Wellness Entrepreneur Shayna Rewrote Her Life in Umbria

From her home just outside Florence, where she lives with her Italian boyfriend, she reflects on the journey that brought her to the land that now holds her heart.

“My connection to Italy began many years ago. The first time I visited, I was 21, and my love for the country grew deeper with every trip. Between 2016 and 2020, I spent a significant amount of time in the region of Umbria, where I now own land and initially decided to settle. What I loved so much about Umbria is how authentically Italian it still feels. Everyone knows Tuscany, Milan, Lake Como, Positano, Capri — these iconic destinations. But Umbria is different. It’s not about a tourist experience. It’s Italy in its purest form, untouched and beautifully true to itself. Italy showed me slow living and authentic food – nona cooking in the kitchen down the street, the kindness of Italians inviting you into their home, even if you don’t speak the language. I fell in love with how they truly enjoy life and food, so different from the fast-paced grind of Los Angeles and New York, where it’s all about working harder just to keep up.”

“Umbria, often called the green heart of Italy, felt untouched — its beauty almost sacred, like a slice of God’s country. I felt such a deep connection to the land and its traditions, especially as I learned about the region’s commitment to sustainable, biodynamic farming.”

The Green Heart

“I first decided to move to Italy with my ex-boyfriend, and together we discovered Umbria, a region I immediately fell in love with. After our breakup, I wasn’t sure if my connection to Italy was tied to our relationship, so I started traveling solo. Each trip deepened my love for the rolling hills, the authentic charm, and the slower pace of life. Umbria, often called the green heart of Italy, felt untouched — its beauty almost sacred, like a slice of God’s country. The connection to the land and its traditions resonated deeply with me, especially as I learned about its commitment to sustainable, biodynamic farming.”

“I’ve always loved Italy, but seeing it through the eyes of my Italian fiancé has deepened my appreciation for its culture — especially the profound respect Italians have for family and elders, something I rarely saw growing up in America.”

Leap of Faith

“In late 2021, I decided to take the leap. I put my house in Los Angeles on the market, telling myself that if it sold before Christmas, I’d pack my bags and head to Italy with just three suitcases. Two months later, my house sold. I moved my belongings to a storage unit in Nashville and flew to Italy for the holidays. On a whim, I walked into a real estate office and began looking at properties. That’s when I found the farmhouse I eventually bought in Umbria. Everything just fell into place, and I knew this was where I was meant to be. This country house in Umbria came with its challenges though — purchasing it turned into a complicated ordeal with regulations and unexpected issues. I have, however, started cultivating olive trees there and producing my own olive oil, which has been such a rewarding project. When I met my current Italian partner, who’s from Florence, we spent weekends traveling back and forth because he works in a town 45 min from Florence in the opposite direction. Eventually, we decided to move in together. He left the city, and we found a home 25 minutes outside of Florence, still in the countryside. Now, Florence is my main base, but I still spend time in Umbria for the olive groves and my dream of building something special there. It’s the perfect balance.”

Family Bonds

“I’ve always loved Italy, but seeing it through the eyes of my Italian partner has deepened my appreciation for its culture. Italians have such a profound respect for family and elders that I rarely saw growing up in America. My boyfriend is a perfect example — he works in the same town where he grew up, in his father’s family business, and every week he has lunch with both of his grandmothers. Three times a week, without fail. It’s such a stark contrast to what I grew up with in the States. Living here has made me reflect on my own family and the kind of meaningful connections I want to nurture in my future. The sense of community and deep-rooted family bonds make Italy feel truly special.”

Italian Authenticity

“I’m now in my house near Florence, surrounded by over 300 olive trees, much like my farmhouse in Umbria. The view here is breathtaking — rolling hills, castles perched on mountaintops, and grand villas. Right now, with the autumn foliage, the leaves are turning yellow and orange, and it feels completely magical. What I love about these old Italian homes, both here and in Umbria, is their authenticity. They’re built entirely of stone, with travertine floors, high ceilings, and grand ancient fireplaces. These features, preserved for centuries due to strict regulations, give the homes such a timeless charm. Even though some upgrades are needed, they still feel so special. The windows are smaller because back then, it was how they managed temperatures without heating or cooling, but sometimes you get lucky and can bring in more light. Regardless, there’s a beauty to these homes you just don’t see anywhere else.”

Well-being

“Italy has done so much for my well-being. The amazing weather, even with its rains, brings so much sun into my life, and it’s become part of my daily rhythm. Mornings here are slow and intentional — stepping outside to feel the cold grass, the sun on my face, and a bit of fresh air. It’s calmed my nervous system in ways I didn’t know I needed, making me realize how much I carried inside. Here, my future feels grounded, peaceful, and full of possibility.”

“Italy has done so much for my well-being — the fresh food, the slower pace, and the way it’s calmed my nervous system in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.”

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