Welcome! I’m Silvia Curioni, founder of ZIPPERLY, a brand that blends Italian craftsmanship with Brazilian artistry. Just a few years ago, I was deeply immersed in the tech world—working long hours, developing apps, and co-founding startups. I loved the thrill of building something new, but over time, I felt a pull toward a different path. Today, I’m sharing the lessons that helped me realize it was time for a career shift and what I learned along the way.

For anyone thinking of taking the leap into something new, here are a few key insights I wish I’d known sooner.

1. Listen to What’s Missing

After years of success in the tech industry, I began feeling like something was missing. I realized that the work, while exciting, didn’t always align with my values or interests outside of the job itself. The technical milestones were satisfying, but I felt a need for more creativity, connection, and purpose in what I was creating. This subtle restlessness was my first clue that it might be time for a change.

Lesson Learned: Pay attention to what your current work isn’t giving you. Sometimes, the things we ignore or push aside are signals pointing us in a new direction.

2. Recognize Your Deep-Rooted Passions

As I took a step back, I realized how much fashion, culture, and design had always influenced my life. Growing up with Italian and Brazilian roots, I’d always been drawn to the artistry of well-made pieces, to things that last and tell a story. I began to see how much I longed to create something that reflected these values. My passion for fashion and craftsmanship wasn’t just a passing interest—it was something I deeply cared about and had always wanted to pursue.

Lesson Learned: Think about what you’re naturally drawn to. Often, the passions we carry with us through life are the ones that are worth pursuing, even if they don’t fit our current career.

3. Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back

Changing careers at 40 isn’t something I took lightly. I had built a stable career in tech, and shifting into fashion—an industry I’d never formally worked in—was a big risk. I faced a lot of doubts, but I realized that staying in my comfort zone wasn’t serving me. I finally asked myself: “What would I regret more? Trying and failing, or never trying at all?” The answer was clear. I was ready to take the leap.

Lesson Learned: If you’re hesitating because of fear, ask yourself what you’re more afraid of: the possibility of failing or the regret of never trying. For me, regret was the stronger motivator.

4. Embrace the Beginner’s Mindset

Switching from tech to fashion meant stepping into a completely new field. It was humbling and at times frustrating, but I learned to embrace being a beginner again. Starting from scratch gave me a fresh perspective and reminded me of the thrill of learning something new. I made peace with the idea that I wouldn’t have all the answers right away—and that was okay.

Lesson Learned: When you make a big change, be prepared to start as a beginner. Embrace the process of learning, and don’t expect perfection from the start.

5. Find Resourceful Ways to Fund Your Dreams

I was lucky to have the support of my family as I transitioned, but starting over came with sacrifices. I had to cut some expenses and even sold all my designer bags, knowing I’d be exclusively carrying ZIPPERLY handbags moving forward. And honestly, the quality of ZIPPERLY bags rivals any of the designer brands I sold—they’re made with the same craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Lesson Learned: If you’re changing careers or starting something new, look for creative ways to fund your dream. Sometimes that means making sacrifices, but if you’re committed, those choices will be worth it.

6. Allow Yourself to Redefine Success

In tech, success often meant numbers, growth, and scale. But in fashion, success has a different rhythm—one that’s more about craftsmanship, quality, and connection. I’ve had to let go of the old metrics of success and embrace a new way of measuring progress. Today, I value creating something beautiful and sharing it with people who resonate with it, even if that growth is slower than in tech.

Lesson Learned: Be open to redefining what success means in a new industry. Every field has its own rhythm, and finding yours may mean shifting your perspective.