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Malta Business Review<br />

COVER STORY INTERVIEW<br />

A Growth Mindset<br />

By Martin Vella<br />

As fast fashion continues being fuelled by the latest celebrity looks that mirror seasonal trends dictated by high-end designers, agile retail is<br />

an emerging industry driven by smart data as the primary tool for predicting current and future style trends, turning ecommerce retailers into<br />

on-demand platforms that identify, stock and deliver desired looks direct-to-consumer, Diane Izzo stepped up to the podium of Maltese fashion<br />

retail, where her brand retail expansion took off, and she was about to drive bonds through public sha<strong>res</strong>. In a rare interview, Diane discusses<br />

the company’s past and p<strong>res</strong>ent growth, what it takes to hire good people, and how she fosters dialogue with customers and employees.<br />

<strong>MBR</strong>: You started your career with Dizz<br />

Group in an entry-level position 18 years<br />

ago. How did you work your way to the<br />

top spot in Maltese fashion and blend<br />

in with Malta’s leading and innovative<br />

entrepreneurs?<br />

DI: Well, when I actually started my career<br />

the DIZZ Group concept was not even<br />

contemplated. I started the business after<br />

a holiday overseas during which I saw a<br />

Terranova store and decided to take on<br />

the great challenge of leaving my job and<br />

trying my best at running my own business.<br />

The way to the top was a tough, long, yet<br />

satisfying challenge. It may sound rhetoric,<br />

but I really gave everything I had during<br />

these years. Looking back now I certainly<br />

have no regrets.<br />

<strong>MBR</strong>: What is an event in your past that<br />

helped define your professional values?<br />

DI: More than an event, I feel it was the<br />

teachings I received from my father<br />

and grandfather which have helped me<br />

professionally. They were my inspiration.<br />

My husband Karl and my sisters Denise and<br />

Daniela have been my closest collaborators<br />

throughout my career. So, I would say that<br />

family has shown me the values I live by.<br />

<strong>MBR</strong>: How are you strengthening<br />

relationships with customers and<br />

distributors?<br />

DI: I have always run my business in a very<br />

much hands on way and have constantly<br />

made it a point to be the person of reference<br />

to our suppliers. Over the years, some have<br />

become close family friends. Ties have<br />

grown stronger. The friendship has also left<br />

its mark on the way we do business and we<br />

have created an understanding in the way<br />

we approach our business with together.<br />

With regards to our customers, we ensure<br />

"I have always run my<br />

business in a very much<br />

hands on way and have<br />

constantly made it a<br />

point to be the person<br />

of reference to our<br />

suppliers.<br />

we offer a great selection, fair prices and a<br />

perfect in-store service in order to create a<br />

bond which leads to loyalty on both sides.<br />

Diane Izzo<br />

6

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