✨ About Krista – The Artist Behind 2 Italy We Go

This isn’t your typical About page—because I’m not your typical artist. This is a story about family, food, faith, a little sarcasm, and a whole lot of espresso.

KRISTA ZANGARI

(aka Kiki, previously known as Krista Simonetti)

Ciao! I’m Krista Zangari- but my amici call me Kiki. I’m the artist, storyteller, and Italian-American behind 2 Italy We Go, a brand I built after realizing the internet was flooded with too much “Gabagool" content that felt more stereotype than substance.

🇮🇹 How It Started

I took my first trip to Italy in 2018 and immediately saw how rich, layered, and soul-shaking the real culture was, way deeper than the clichés floating around on social media. So, I came home, picked up my brush, and decided to show people the Italy I saw: vibrant, spiritual, bold, imperfect, and very much alive.

🎨 🛍 What I Create

What started as a side passion turned into a full-time brand rooted in heritage, creativity, and real Italian storytelling. My work is inspired by centuries of Italian tradition, passed down through family, food, and faith. I create hand-painted goods like espresso sets, Italian horn art, Holiday collectibles (like my sell-out Hornaments, and cultural home decor inspired by Italian-American life.

Everything is fatto con amore - made with love and rooted in real meaning.

📍 Beyond the Art

I also write about Italian food, heritage, and travel (especially the kind that avoids the crowds and finds the real gems). I collaborate with Italian and Italian-American brands, cover cultural events around NYC, and collaborate with brands that align with culture.... NOT caricature.

➡️ Why It Matters

This isn’t a lifestyle brand, it’s my life. It’s art meets ancestry, espresso meets expression, and a whole lot of fatto con amore. So whether you’re here for original designs, real culture, or a break from the ‘gravy vs. sauce’ debate… benvenuto. You just found your people.

✨ Ready to Explore?

🎨 Shop my Italy-inspired art and gifts
📚 Read the blog for cultural insights & travel tips
📲 Follow along on Instagram @2italywego

As Seen In

2 Italy We Go has been proudly featured and invited to participate in events, media, and collaborations that celebrate Italian culture, food, and community:

Appetito Magazine
Sutton Place Social Magazine
Italian Aperitif Week NYC (Fabbri 1905 + Sally Fischer PR)
Sunday Supper NYC
Settepani Harlem’s 25th Anniversary
Tunnel to Towers 5K (Team Will Run for Pizza)
NYPD Columbia Association / Columbus Day Parade

Brand Collaborations & Partnerships

I’ve partnered with some of my favorite brands, creators, and local legends to tell meaningful stories, promote community events, and design thoughtful collaborations that celebrate our culture.

Past & Present Collaborations Include:

Appetito Magazine (featured content + reels)
Fabbri 1905 (Aperitif Week NYC events + coverage)
Sabatino Tartufi (holiday gifting content)
Uncle Joey’s Rainbow Explosion (retail + cross-promos)
Ancap (custom espresso set design + product launch)
Settepani Harlem (event coverage + community spotlight)
F45 Midtown East NYC (social media + community partnerships)

💌 Interested in working together? Contact me here or DM me on Instagram @2italywego.

Published Features – Sutton Place Social Magazine

I’m also a contributing writer for Sutton Place Social, a print publication celebrating local food, culture, and the people who make NYC’s Sutton Place neighborhood special.
My stories are written with love, curiosity, and a healthy appetite. Below are a few of my featured articles: