Unicorn Campaign: The Dirty Italian with Talya Pessolano

In this episode of Unicorn Campaigns, host Dave Valentine chats with Talya Pessolano, the founder of The Dirty Italian — a South Boston deli that’s anything but ordinary. From importing rare cheeses to crafting custom grazing tables for baby showers, Talya’s brand blends bold flavor, hospitality, and high-performing marketing that turns everyday customers into raving fans.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How The Dirty Italian scaled from Instagram charcuterie boards to a brick-and-mortar deli with classes, catering, and a cult following.

• The email marketing playbook Talya used to drive $15,000+ in holiday catering revenue with one simple campaign.

• Why she refuses to sell gas station-looking cookies — and how visual brand experience impacts everything from Instagram Reels to in-store design.

• Her grassroots approach to social media, including trending audio hacks, scheduled weekly content, and strategic collabs with Boston chefs and influencers.

• The origin story of her unforgettable brand name and the mindset shift that helped her transition from software sales to full-time food entrepreneur.

🎯 Whether you're running a local food business or a national eCommerce brand, Talya’s journey highlights the power of personal branding, community collaboration, and keeping your marketing both simple and stunning.

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Keywords for discovery:
South Boston deli, The Dirty Italian, charcuterie catering Boston, email marketing success story, small business growth podcast, unicorn campaigns podcast, trending audio Instagram, social media strategy for restaurants, female food entrepreneurs, Boston food scene, grazing tables Boston, Italian catering Southie, food service marketing tips, from software to deli owner, small business marketing ideas.

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📲 Follow Talya at @taliasdirtyitalian on Instagram or visit thedirtyitalian.com to learn more.

🎧 Subscribe to Unicorn Campaigns for more behind-the-scenes stories of wildly successful marketing moves that built brands worth raving about.