When the pandemic rolled around in 2020, she took the opportunity to dedicate time to her passion for food.

“My roommate Maria Bochicchio and I spent the long, boring days in the COVID-19 lockdowns experimenting with old and new recipes,” Biasini said.

“In particular, Maria introduced me to the famous Apulian focaccia, an ancient recipe handed down to her by her grandmother.

“We began to ‘trade’ our focaccia with friends and acquaintances; a wheel of focaccia in exchange for hemming some pants, or for a cake.”

Biasini and Bochicchio soon became popular amongst the community, and started their small business, Miss Focaccia.

However, Biasini longed for a new adventure, and travelled to Queensland for a holiday.

“The long lockdown had mentally exhausted me and in May 2021, I drove my trusty van up to the Gold Coast for a bit of a rest,” she said.

“Then, Sydney went into another lockdown and I was ‘trapped’ in Coolangatta.”

Biasini fell in love with both the golden beaches and with Nick, an Australian. 

“Far from Sydney, I found love, and together with Nick I launched the focaccia business on the Gold Coast, with our new brand Love What You Dough,” she said.

“In Queensland, Italian products are not as popular as they are in Sydney, where Little Italy has a very high profile.

“On the Gold Coast, we introduced our focaccia to locals at community markets.”

Biasini is very particular about the way she creates her products.

“I am vegan and the Apulian focaccia fits perfectly with the needs of that cuisine,” she said.

“I like to choose the ingredients carefully, prioritising organic and local produce.”

Nick helps Biasini by offering an Australian perspective on the classic Italian recipes, suggesting new flavour combinations and additions like pumpkin and sweet potatoes.

Biasini is excited about the future of her business.

“We certainly want to expand it, perhaps into the catering and events sector,” she said.

“The lockdowns were difficult, but at the same time they gave us the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and explore new possibilities and ways of living.

“They changed my life profoundly.”