My name is Luca, I’m a professional bartender and aspiring entrepreneur from Italy, passionate about hospitality and customer experience. I’ve long dreamed of starting a mobile cocktail service for events, beach clubs, and private parties.
I discovered the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme thanks to Antonio Cafaro, whose support inspired me to apply. I was then matched with Antonio Stillitano, owner of Bakkano Drinks & Food in Málaga. More than a host, Antonio became a mentor and a friend, helping me grow both professionally and personally.
I joined EYE to gain hands-on experience abroad in managing a hospitality business. I expected to improve my technical and communication skills — but I got much more: a better understanding of business, a strong network, greater self-confidence, and the courage to bet on myself.
This summer, I’ll launch my own freelance bartending activity. EYE wasn’t just an experience — it was a turning point.
During my EYE stay, I worked as a bartender at Bakkano Drinks & Food, handling cocktail preparation, customer service, and bar organization during high-pressure shifts. I was involved in the planning and execution of events, learning about inventory management, staff coordination, and client interaction. I also contributed to improving the customer experience and received excellent feedback from both locals and tourists. The relationship with my Host, Antonio Stillitano, was incredibly strong — he became not only a mentor but also a close friend. He trusted me with responsibilities that allowed me to grow and encouraged me to believe in my own potential.
This experience changed my life. I grew professionally and personally, and now I finally have the courage to invest in myself. I’ll always be grateful to my Host and to the EYE programme for giving me this opportunity.