My name is Gianluca Andrea Battista, and I am an entrepreneur based in Italy.
My background combines fashion, entrepreneurship, and digital creativity. I am currently studying economics and business-related subjects, while also completing certificates from Yale University in Financial Markets and Introduction to Negotiation. Alongside my studies, I work as a model. I am also actively involved in a non-profit cultural organisation, Ministry of NICOLA Arts, where I coordinate projects and support international collaborations.
My main passions lie in the fashion and luxury sectors, with a particular interest in fashion history and the stories behind brands such as Giorgio Armani, Issey Miyake, and Emporio Armani. I enjoy analysing collections, researching brand histories, and exploring how fashion intersects with culture and identity. At the moment, I am also deeply interested in entrepreneurship and business development, particularly in building a fashion-related business that combines creativity, strategy, and a strong digital presence. Web design and digital marketing are also areas of interest to me, as I see them as essential tools for any modern entrepreneur.
I decided to participate in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs for several reasons. First, I have always been curious about how businesses operate beyond theory, and I wanted to test my ideas in a real international environment. Second, I was strongly motivated by the desire to have an experience abroad not simply as a traveller, but as someone actively learning and contributing within an organisation. The EYE programme offered exactly this: a structured exchange in which I could observe, participate, and grow while being guided by an experienced entrepreneur. There was also an element of personal challenge: I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, improve my English in a professional context, and build a network beyond my usual circles.
I believe this experience can contribute significantly to both my professional and personal growth. On a professional level, it will give me direct exposure to project management, international cooperation, partnership development, and strategic planning within a creative organisation. It will allow me to refine my business plan through feedback, understand how decisions are made in a real business context, and see how communication, marketing, and finance come together in daily operations. On a personal level, the exchange will challenge me to become more adaptable, confident, and open to different perspectives. Living and working in another country will encourage me to solve problems independently, manage uncertainty, and communicate clearly with people from different backgrounds.
Overall, I see the EYE programme as a bridge between my academic knowledge and the real world of entrepreneurship, as well as a key step towards building my future business with greater clarity, confidence, and an international perspective.