ABOUT ME

Hi! I'm Lies (or Lisa, as they call me here). A Flemish woman who fell in love with Tuscany. In a previous life, I ran an insurance agency in Belgium—a completely different life, with lots of cases and little time. Until I decided to change course and follow my dream: a new beginning in Italy. It wasn't an easy choice, and certainly not a straight path, but it was the right one. Italy taught me to slow down, have faith, and enjoy simplicity.

My experience is both on and off the field. I once had my own olive grove in Maremma, where I learned what it means to work with nature: from pruning and harvesting to the challenges of a difficult season. I still carry that practical experience with me every day.

Meanwhile, I've moved to the countryside near Florence, but Maremma remains my home. That's why my olive oil continues to come from there: from the terroir that shaped me, from olive trees I know, and from farmers I trust and work with.

Tranquilla is a female-founded company, and I'm proud of that. Believe me, that's not always a given in Italy, where men often call the shots and innovation is sometimes viewed with suspicion. Yet, I chose to forge my own path, to build a company from scratch that stands for courage, honesty, and quality. With enthusiasm and passion, a lot of passion...

I'm also a certified olive oil sommelier and taste, analyze, and select every batch before bottling. Nothing goes into a bottle of Tranquilla just like that. Rotten or overripe olives, sloppiness in the pressing, or old olive oil? I recognize them immediately, even though the average person can't taste the difference. For me, none of that makes it into the bottle. I also participate in test panels, including at Anapoo, and participate in competitions and tastings. I continue to challenge myself and learn, because the world of olive oil never stands still. By visiting growers, frantoios, and trade shows, I'm constantly discovering new techniques and staying on my toes. This way, I can guarantee that Tranquilla is always of the highest quality.

ABOUT TRANQUILLA

Rooted in Maremma.

Tranquilla is no ordinary olive oil. It's spicy, bitter, and a distinctly Tuscan blend. Organically grown, pressed within hours of harvest, and carefully filtered. No compromises. Just the essence of Maremma in a bottle as beautiful as the flavor itself.

No anonymous mass production, but a conscious choice for small-scale, traditional olive groves and people who share the same values. This is how Tranquilla stays true to its origins: olive oil with character, made with respect for nature, the craft, and the people behind it.

Each bottle tells not only the story of the olives but also of my quest for honesty and quality. Tranquilla is the finishing touch that completes a dish, and a bottle you'll be proud to serve or give as a gift.

Why the name 'Tranquilla'?

The name 'Tranquilla' comes from my own life here in Italy. When I first moved, I was swept along by the speed of Belgium. Until I heard over and over again: "Tranquilla! Just relax, it'll be okay." At first, I found that strange and even irritating, but after a while I began to understand and feel it. Tranquilla became a mentality, a way of life. Trusting the time something takes. Finding peace in the process. And that's precisely what I find in my olive oil: no rush, no compromises, just care and attention.

If you've ever been to Maremma, you'll recognize it immediately: flocks of sheep wandering through the hills, the sound of their bells breaking the silence. For me, that sound is pure joy, and it reminds me again and again why I feel at home here.

The sheep in the cap.

The bottle cap also tells a story. It features a sheep: my mascot, a symbol for Maremma. They symbolize the purity and simplicity of Tuscany. A nod to the region that inspires me and where Tranquilla draws its soul.

MY MISSION

My mission is to share my passion with as many people as possible. I want to show that olive oil isn't just a neutral "healthy fat," but a flavor enhancer. A true ingredient. The extra touch that completes a dish, the spicy note that elevates everything. Just like salt, herbs, or spices, it adds character, depth, and balance.

Tranquilla isn't for baking or heating. It's certainly possible, but honestly? It's too precious for that. It truly shines as a finishing touch: a drizzle over pasta or risotto, a sprinkling on grilled vegetables, a refreshing touch in salads. And yes, it's even surprisingly delicious with dark chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's also a staple in Flemish cuisine, just as it has been in Italy for centuries.

Just like with wine, there are countless variations in flavor and character, depending on the variety, region, and terroir. In principle, each dish requires a different olive oil.

I want to share that knowledge (yes, even with Italians). Because even here, there's still a common belief that "nonno" oil is the best. Unfortunately, it's often defective, made without expertise, or with overripe and poorly stored olives. Organic or traditional alone doesn't guarantee quality. You can still make bad olive oil from good olives.

That's why I want to teach people to taste, discover, and compare. Because making olive oil is a craft: it requires knowledge, precision, and passion. Soon, I'll be organizing tastings and virtual tastings, and my future B&B will have a real olive oil bar.

Tranquilla embodies both craftsmanship and beauty. That's why I dedicate as much care to the bottle as to the olive oil itself. Quality isn't just about what's inside the bottle, but also about the experience surrounding it. The details aren't just details; they make all the difference. A label that sparks curiosity, a cap with a story, a bottle you're proud to display or give as a gift. Beautiful inside and out. Everything has to be just right. Every bottle of Tranquilla is more than just olive oil: it's an experience, a memory to share, an object that sparks conversations and brings people together.

FUTURE: B&B ZIA MADELEINE

Besides Tranquilla, another dream will soon come true: my B&B, Zia Madeleine. A small-scale place with room for 4 to 8 guests, where hospitality and personal attention are paramount.

You'll find me in Anselmo, a district of Montespertoli, in the countryside near Florence. And believe me: Montespertoli itself is definitely worth a visit. It's a charming village in the heart of Chianti, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with small trattorias, wineries, and stunning views of the Tuscan hills.

Thanks to its central location, you're close to everything. The region is brimming with cycling and hiking trails, and for wine lovers, this is heaven. From small local cantinas to the impressive Antinori wine cellar (a must-see for architecture buffs).

Zia Madeleine offers two large, bright en-suite bedrooms, each with a sofa bed for two children or an additional guest. Each room has a private terrace overlooking the vineyards and an outdoor shower for that ultimate holiday feeling.

What truly makes your stay special is the atmosphere and the attention. Not intrusive, but tailored to your needs. Perhaps you crave peace and quiet, or perhaps a good conversation. Perhaps you're traveling alone and eager to share your life story, or you're coming with your family and looking for practical tips for a day trip. I'll remember your favorite coffee for breakfast, create a customized program, or simply let you relax in peace. So that every guest feels at home, seen, and completely at ease.

And of course, taste plays a key role: a lavish breakfast with homemade treats made with fresh, local ingredients, a typical Italian dinner, and plenty of olive oil. Even the facade of my house tells the story: it's painted the same soft pink as Tranquilla's label.

I am currently busy with the final works, but I hope to open the doors in the spring of 2026.

Follow me on Instagram for more news and a look behind the scenes.