From Dream to Dolce Vita: Chris Sobolev’s Artful Reimagined Life in Italy
What happens when you follow the whisper of a dream—and it leads you to a whole new life in Italy?
Today’s guest, Chris Sobolev, co-owner of Super Savvy Travelers and a rising fine artist, returns to share the extraordinary “after” story of what’s happened since her first appearance on the show in July 2024.
For those of you who have been in my world for a while, you know I love all things Italian. If you are new, welcome!
My love of Italy began in 1996 when I opened my first business, an entertainment PR company, where I worked with celebrities, visual and performing artists. I named it Capri PR because of my fascination and love of Italy and the Amalfi Coast.
Same time, famous author Frances Mayes wrote and released her memoir Under the Tuscan Sun. I was so enamored with her, the story and her lifestyle. I said at the time, “I want her life!”
The dream was planted. It was not until 2017 after 9 yrs in my coaching business that I honored that dream thanks to my coach at the time who helped me recover my dreams and make money with joy.
The result of that coaching session was a month-long stay in Florence, Italy that changed my life. Three more trips to Italy happened between 2017-2024. This is how Chris and I met as you will find the full story in our conversation.
Now, Chris is living the dream she once only imagined—owning several homes in Italy, making art, and running a thriving YouTube channel and Italian Home Ownership business with her husband, Pete.
But it wasn’t all la dolce vita at first.
In this inspiring follow-up, we talk about the inner and outer transformations that got her there: rebuilding confidence, navigating online and offline stalkers, redefining her worth, and restructuring her business to align with high value clients, joy, authenticity, and ease.
Whether you’re dreaming of an Italian lifestyle or longing to unlock your next creative chapter, this conversation is rich with permission, possibility, and practical insight.
You’ll hear:
- The soulful connection that drew Chris (and me!) to Italy
- What changed in her business and mindset to make her dreams real
- Her advice for anyone longing to own a home in Italy and how she and her husband consult and take you through the process
- How art, following her joy, friendship, and inner work fueled her breakthroughs
Get ready to be inspired by what’s possible when you say YES to the life your intuition has been whispering to you each day. Find all her ways to connect in show links and how to apply to discuss Italian Home Ownership.
Show links:
- IG: @chrissobolev and @supersavvytravelers
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sobolev-41a08713
- All About Italy FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/205311277354653
- FB: Chris Sobolev https://www.facebook.com/chris.ellis.3720 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC YouTube: @ChrisSobolovFineArt
Fine Art Website: https://www.chrissobolev.com
Italian Home Ownership First Steps:
You will find all the initial qualifications to have a zoom call with Chris by reading the application: Access this exclusive guide in the portal of joy.
High Performing Women Entrepreneurs: Learn the NEW success paradigm that becomes a catalyst for lasting transformation professionally & personally. Ask yourself, is it time to change your success metrics to align with today’s challenging times? Free INSTANT ACCESS: https://marladiann.com/prioritizing-desires
Loved this episode? Don’t stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy.
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hi, i’m your host
Marla Diann!
I’ve been transforming creative entrepreneurs’ lives for over 27 years through two businesses. As a success coach and business strategist, I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs collapse the time frame of achieving their desires and goals.
It’s time to make joy your inner GPS for life and business decisions rather than lean on your logic and reason, first.
You’ll not only be following what is most authentic to you and for you, but you will live the beautiful life meant just for you.
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I enjoyed the podcast, very informative. I am a personal friend of Chris and Pete, living in Santa Dominica Talao for many years. I stood in support of them during the hateful crimes, and bullying on social media. It was horrendous. As their friend it is beautiful to observe how they are now managing in the present. Your guidance has helped her gain a new perspective. It is a relief to see her regain her optimism and zest for life. They are indeed a lovely couple and have earned and deserve their success. Thank you.
Thank you for your lovely response! I agree, it’s wonderful to see Chris in her vitality and optimism. It was an incredible experience to be at her side navigating her journey. I love Pete & Chris!