Roberto Natale is an entrepreneur from Naples, representing the fifth generation of the family that runs the Alessia Natale company, which specializes in leather and leather gloves. Roberto also lives in Canada, a country of which he is a citizen, but he can often be found in America and especially in New York. Among his passions, however, there is also that of music: he has been animating dance floors as a DJ since 1979, even going so far as to play at international events and in different countries, reconciling his business and artistic activities. In short, Roberto is one of those Neapolitan excellences typically appreciated around the world. We interviewed him.
Tell us about yourself: how much time do you spend in Canada and how do you balance your life between there and New York?
I have dual nationality because of my Canadian mother, and in Canada I sell many gloves from my company, Alessia Natale. However, I often pass through New York, because there I feel at the center of the world, I get recharged with positive energy, which is crucial for an entrepreneur. Also, I have many friends in New York, and every meeting with them is a breath of life. I travel a lot, but for many of us, time becomes relative: if a moment with loved ones is valuable, 10 hours of flying is nothing. New York and Naples have similar souls, both cosmopolitan, but New York is projected into the future.
Your leather glove company, Alessia Natale, is a family tradition now in its fifth generation. How have you kept this legacy alive while facing the challenges of the modern market?
That’s a good question. We have managed to be successful because our glove line is totally “green.” We use environmentally friendly, easily disposable leather, and we produce zero CO₂ emissions through solar and photovoltaic energy. Each glove is cut and sewn by hand, and all packaging is recycled and recyclable. We have a moral duty to our planet, the same love that one bears to a mother.
You started as a DJ in the 1970s, and music is still central to your life. How do you balance your business career with music, especially when you’re performing around the world?
I started in the 1970s, at a time of great bands like Pink Floyd and Queen, and then with real discomusic. DJing has always been a hobby for me, as I have always been mainly dedicated to the business. After 2000, with the advent of digital, I can carry the equivalent of 10,000 vinyls on a USB flash drive. So when I travel for work, I get to perform as a guest DJ at clubs, and every time it is a great satisfaction.
You have participated in major events such as the Notte Bianca in Naples and played in Dubai. Is there an experience that particularly marked you in your musical journey?
In New York, I fulfilled one of my life’s dreams: playing at one of the most prestigious rooftops, surrounded by the skyline that has always accompanied my best moments. That night was a musical journey between deep house and remixes of big 70s disco hits. Seeing people use Shazam to discover the tracks and watching the skyline of the Empire State Building was magical. It’s like living in a dream.
Narapel gloves are appreciated internationally. How do you see the evolution of the leather industry, and what challenges do you face in promoting Made in Italy?
The answer is simple: quality and environmental sustainability. These are our strengths. The world loves Made in Italy, and this gives us a great advantage. Thanks to pioneers like Valentino, Armani and Prada, the work of these great masters should not go to waste.
What would you recommend to those who wish to embark on a path similar to yours, exporting their products abroad?
First of all, you have to believe in yourself and be confident that you can achieve your goals. It takes hard work and many sacrifices, but nothing is impossible. One must dream with the innocence of a child and the determination of an elder. The path is made up of small steps, without fear. Quality, seriousness and competence are fundamental. The universe listens to us and synchronizes our goals. It starts with small samples, an effective presence on social media, and above all, it is important to get to know buyers personally, conveying their passion for the product. Then, it is essential to ensure on-time delivery and provide all necessary certifications.
The article Interview with Roberto Natale, between life as an entrepreneur and an artist comes from TheNewyorker.
