In the midst of the hustle and bustle of corporate existence, we (Deb and Bien), found oursleves longing for a life filled with deeper meaning. Our story begins with a shared aspiration, an exploratory adventure, and the courage to break free from the corporate mould to chase a new calling.

Deb + Bien at the Dello Mano Pop Up - Wintergarden Brisbane CBD

Accompanied by our two young daughters, our perspective on life started to shift. The allure of food provenance, the craving for authentic nourishment handmade without factory processes, and an affection for the art of gifting food sparked a fire within us. As the corporate world's demands tightened their grip, a pledge was made before we embarked on a journey that would transform our lives forever.

Italy's Inspiring Essence

Leaving behind the comforts of Australia, in 2005 we set forth with our girls on a voyage to the heart of culinary inspiration – Italy. A land where tradition and passion interweave in every dish, and where the Slow Food Salone del Gusto beckoned with open arms. Through the charming streets of Italian towns and cities, we wandered, savoring the essence of artisanal creations and witnessing the artisans' pride in presenting their offerings. It wasn't just food; it was a piece of their souls gifted with each morsel.

Brownie Dreams: From Corporate Desks to Kitchen Counters

Returning home, a newfound zeal burned within us. The promise we had made echoed in our hearts – if an idea took root, we would pursue it relentlessly, refusing to let it fade as we returned to the rhythm of daily life. The courage to embrace the unknown tugged at us, even as the stability of the corporate realm whispered alluringly. The idea seemed daring, perhaps even audacious – to shape a reality where brownies weren't just treats, but vessels of emotion and memories.

Translating Italian Magic into Foil-Wrapped Joy

The allure of Italy had etched itself into our beings – the allure of the handcrafted, the reverence for slow food, and the narratives interwoven into every ingredient. In the midst of reflection, a plan crystallised, a vision to encapsulate that spirit in a single brownie. Not just any brownie, but a perfectly wrapped gift of bliss, carefully concealed in foil, yearning to reveal a moment of pure joy.

From Dreams to Reality: Building in a Football Club Kitchen

Drawing upon our backgrounds in product development, we embarked on the next chapter of our journey, driven to redefine the art of gifting. The notion of brownie gifts emerged like a shooting star, streaking across the dessert skyline. It was a bold endeavour, a challenge to pave a path in an unexplored market.

Trials and Triumphs: The New Farm Farmers Market Journey

Our aim was to infuse every brownie with affection, to capture the essence of the Italian artisans we so admired. With each peel of the foil, the anticipation mounted, not only for the luscious treat within but also for the hidden surprise. It symbolised life – layers of anticipation, the joy of discovery, and the ultimate reward.

Baking Through the Night: The Early Days of Commitment

And so, we started small in a shared kitchen at the local football club. Keeping our day jobs, we would pack up our dinner and kids and head to the kitchen to bake into the night. Our girls would sleep on makeshift beds until we'd carry them out to the car and tuck them into their own beds sometime after 3 am. From there, we took the plunge and secured our own commercial kitchen. Our journey led us to the New Farm Farmers Market on Saturdays, where brownies were not the trend. We deliberately chose this path to illustrate our mission, to stand out by doing what others weren't.

Defying Doubts: Brownies as Tokens of Passion

It wasn't easy; we faced mixed reactions. Many couldn't fathom brownies becoming anything more, yet, at one of our first markets, we secured a massive opportunity to provide gifts for an international hotel brand based in Sydney. From there, our journey was a rollercoaster of trials and tribulations, yet we persevered, unwavering in our dedication to follow our passion. 

Continuing the Legacy: A Journey of Sweet Moments

Today, our journey has carried us far beyond our humble beginnings. What started in a shared kitchen with tired eyes and a heart full of hope has blossomed into a story of resilience and determination. We grew from those late nights, fueled by our dreams and a love for crafting moments of joy through our brownies.

Embracing Challenges, Forging Ahead

The road was far from smooth. There were moments of doubt and challenges that tested our resolve. Yet, every obstacle we faced became a stepping stone, each setback a lesson that brought us closer to our mission. We embraced the uncertainty, knowing that our dedication to quality, authenticity, and the spirit of gifting would guide us forward.

Transforming Markets, Shaping Narratives

With time, our labor of love bore fruit. The New Farm Farmers Market became a haven for our brownie creations. Slowly, we began to change perceptions, one brownie at a time. People started to see beyond the ordinary, to realize that these little wrapped gifts held more than just a sweet treat – they held stories of passion, determination, and a piece of our hearts.

Spreading Smiles, Creating Memories

Our brownies soon found their way into the lives of individuals, families, and businesses, spreading smiles and creating cherished memories. The journey wasn't without its challenges, but with every hurdle we cleared, we grew stronger and more convinced of the path we had chosen. Over time, our devotion to quality and the essence of gifting caught the attention of not just local patrons, but also international luxury brands, movie stars, and world leaders. The Dello Mano brand and our brownies have become synonymous with appreciation, finding their place in corporate gifts and heartfelt thank-yous to those who shape the world.

Proud Evolution: From Brownies to Ambassadors

From those uncertain beginnings to today, we stand proud of our journey. We've evolved, not just as business owners, but as storytellers and dreamers. Our brownies have become ambassadors of the values we hold dear – the celebration of handmade, the importance of savouring life's little moments, and the joy of sharing.

A Heartfelt Gratitude

As we look back on the path we've traversed, we're filled with gratitude for the support and encouragement we've received along the way. Our story is a testament to the fact that dreams, when pursued with passion and a willingness to overcome challenges, can transform into reality. And while the road ahead may still be lined with uncertainty, we're excited to continue crafting moments of happiness, one brownie at a time.

Cheers to the Moments

So here's to the late nights, the early mornings, the highs, and the lows. Here's to the unwavering support of our family, friends, and the community that has embraced our vision. Here's to the dreams that dared us to venture beyond the ordinary and create something extraordinary. And here's to you – for being a part of our story, for allowing our brownies to become a part of your moments, and for sharing in the joy of our journey.

Inviting You to Share the Journey

As we move forward, we invite you to join us in savouring the sweetness of life and embracing the unexpected paths that lead to extraordinary destinations. With every foil-wrapped brownie, a little bit of our story is shared, and we can't wait to see how it intertwines with yours.

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and here's to the chapters yet to be written.

Deb + Bien