In this question and answer session with Andreea Magliano, founder of Magliano’s Music & Comfort Food, we explore her diverse journey and the unique concept behind her business. Andreea, whose background spans music education, business strategy, and sustainable investing, has been significantly influenced by her experiences abroad, especially in the United States. She emphasizes the importance of connection, attributing her success to hard work and the ability to build relationships. Her education at Harvard Business School has shaped her approach to ethical investing, focusing on long-term impact and values alignment.
The inspiration for Magliano’s Music & Comfort Food came from her childhood, where the sounds of piano and family meals fostered a sense of community. As a Vocal Branding Coach, Andreea aids individuals in discovering their unique vocal identities while teaching sustainable investing practices. Despite facing considerable challenges, including two strokes and cancer, Andreea has emerged stronger and more resilient. Her identity was further shaped by the revelation of her adoption at age 30. Looking ahead, she envisions expanding her business globally, integrating personal growth strategies, and reinforcing her belief that life’s challenges can unveil profound inner strength and purpose.
Andreea Magliano’s Professional Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Explain your background and your Company in detail.”
Andreea Magliano replied, “I come from a diverse background with experience in music education, business strategy, and sustainable investing. I’ve always had a passion for music and its power to connect and inspire people, which led me to teach piano and explore vocal branding. My time living abroad, particularly in the United States, shaped my approach to music education and business, giving me a global perspective. I also studied business strategy at Harvard Business School, where I developed a deep interest in sustainable investing and ethical business practices.
Magliano’s Music & Comfort Food is the culmination of my passions and experiences. It’s a unique business that combines live music and comfort foods to create a space where people can relax, connect, and enjoy a multisensory experience. We offer a range of services, including live performances, music classes, vocal branding coaching, and sustainable investing courses. The idea is to build a community where people can come together, not just for food or music, but for a holistic experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. We aim to expand this concept, making it a global brand known for its impact on wellness and personal growth.”
Navigating Success with Balance
The Arab Today: Some might say you’ve been quite fortunate in your life. To what do you owe your success? Or maybe you’re just lucky…? And as a multi-faceted professional managing various roles, how do you maintain balance and ensure quality across all your ventures?
Andreea Magliano replied, “Business is about human beings and I am a good judge of character and I’ve always been good at people. What inspires them, what motivates them, and what incentivizes them!
I’ve always found that the harder I work the more luck I seem to have. The secret to my success has been in identifying talented individuals and harnessing their efforts but not without offering something of value in return. I think that is the key!
Balancing multiple roles requires discipline, time management, and a deep understanding of my priorities. I make sure to set clear goals for each of my ventures and allocate specific time blocks for different activities. Quality is a top priority for me, so I surround myself with a supportive team and ensure I’m constantly learning and growing. Having a clear vision and passion for what I do helps me stay focused and maintain balance.”
A Fusion of flavour and Melody
The Arab Today: What inspired you to combine music and comfort food into a unique business model for Magliano’s Music & Comfort Food?
Andreea Magliano replied, “I’ve always believed that music and food have the power to connect people, create memories, and provide comfort. Growing up, my home was filled with the sounds of piano and the warmth of family meals, so I wanted to create a space that combined these two passions. Magliano’s Music & Comfort Food is about offering a holistic experience where customers can enjoy soulful music while savouring homemade comfort dishes, creating a place of community and joy.”
Educational Foundations
The Arab Today: How did your time at Harvard Business School shape your approach to sustainable investing and coaching strategies?
Andreea Magliano replied, “Harvard Business School was a transformative experience. It emphasized the importance of sustainability, not just in business practices but also in how we approach personal and professional growth. I apply those principles in my coaching by focusing on long-term impact and creating strategies that are not only profitable but also ethically sound. It taught me to blend purpose with profit and to encourage my clients to invest in companies that align with their values.”
A New Perspective
The Arab Today: How did your experience living in the United States influence your perspective on music education and business?
Andreea Magliano replied, “Living in the U.S. exposed me to diverse cultural approaches to music education. It taught me the importance of tailoring lessons to individual students, understanding their backgrounds, and using music as a tool for empowerment and self-expression. This international experience also helped me see business from a global perspective, emphasizing the need to adapt to different markets and audiences.”
Foundations of Vocal Identity
The Arab Today: As a Vocal Branding Coach, what are the key elements you focus on to help individuals develop their vocal identity?
Andreea Magliano replied, “Vocal branding is about authenticity and connection. I focus on helping individuals find their unique voice and ensuring it aligns with their personal or professional brand. This involves understanding the nuances of tone, pitch, and delivery. We work on building confidence, improving vocal strength, and ensuring that the way they communicate resonates with their audience. The ultimate goal is to help clients express their true selves and connect deeply with others through their voice.”
Setting New Standards
The Arab Today: What are some key strategies you teach in your sustainable stock investing courses that set them apart from traditional investment approaches?
Andreea Magliano replied, “My approach to sustainable stock investing goes beyond just looking at financial returns. I emphasize investing in companies that have strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. I teach my students how to research and identify businesses that align with their values, ensuring that their investments have a positive impact on society. It’s about making informed choices that contribute to long-term sustainability and financial growth.”
Overcoming Obstacles
The Arab Today: What is the most common challenge your clients face, and how do you help them overcome it as a Life and Business Strategist?
Andreea Magliano replied, “One of the most common challenges my clients face is the fear of failure, which often prevents them from taking the necessary steps to achieve their goals. I work with them to reframe failure as an opportunity for growth. We create actionable plans and set realistic milestones, focusing on building resilience and a growth mindset. By helping them take small, consistent actions, they gain confidence and start seeing results.”
The Backbone of Your Success
The Arab Today: When you talk about your support team, who would you consider your right hand?
Andreea Magliano replied, “For a successful woman, having a reliable support system is essential. My husband is not only a successful businessman but also the kind of partner every woman dreams of. He knows how to balance his career with family life, and he does it with ease and grace. He takes time out of his busy schedule to make sure the kids are doing well, maybe even loading the dishwasher or teaching them how to vacuum like a pro. It’s the kind of support that lets me focus on my career – whether it’s editing the draft of this interview or strategizing with my friends and partners about our new venture here.
It’s this give-and-take that makes us stronger as a team. I’m incredibly grateful to have a partner who not only supports my dreams but also makes me feel like the woman every man would want by his side. His unwavering support allows me to be the best version of myself, both at home and in my career.
Then, there’s my lifelong friend Nina, who has been by my side for nearly 24 years. Nina was the concertmaster of the Delaware County Symphony while completing her Doctorate in Musical Arts. Currently, she is a member of numerous orchestras, including Bay Atlantic Symphony, Lancaster Symphony, New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra, Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and Pennsylvania Philharmonic. She also led the Temple University Symphony Orchestra in performances at the Kimmel Center and Lincoln Center, and she is presently the concertmaster of the New Jersey Orchestra.
She has performed on many of the most prominent stages in Romania, Moldova, Serbia, Mexico, and the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Verizon Hall, and Perelman Hall. As a guest soloist, she has played with the Galati Philharmonic Orchestra and the Brasov Philharmonic Orchestra, and she has twice appeared at the George Enescu Festival in Bucharest
Alongside Nina, I’m thrilled to collaborate with another one of my lifelong friends Andrei Racu whom I have known for nearly 26 years. Andrei is a distinguished pianist and conductor whose remarkable career has taken him to prestigious stages around the world. Notably, he has performed at the Bösendorfer Salon of the Musikverein in Vienna, a testament to his extraordinary talent and artistry. He has also captivated audiences as a soloist in countries such as Spain (where he made his debut in 1998), the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Romania, Tunisia, and China, with an upcoming performance in Cuba this December.
Coming from a family of musicians, Andrei follows in the footsteps of his father and uncle, both of whom are conductors. His versatility shines as both a pianist and a conductor, leading ensembles ranging from string orchestras to grand vocal-symphonic productions with over 200 artists on stage. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Director at the Dinu Lipatti National College of Arts, where he teaches orchestration, piano, and accompaniment. He is also a soloist with the Musical Theater Ambassadors and collaborates with orchestras both in Romania and internationally. His latest solo performance featured Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 at the prestigious Romanian Athenaeum.
Andrei and Nina’s profound influence and passion for music continue to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike. Their upcoming contributions to the UAE music scene are poised to elevate and enrich its artistic landscape, bringing with them a level of expertise and brilliance that truly sets them apart.
Together, we’re on a mission to bring this incredible talent to the UAE, aiming to make the music scene here more vibrant and inspiring than ever.”
From Music to Cooking
The Arab Today: We talked about music but what about food? What is your favourite recipe, or the dish you most enjoy cooking? And is there an ingredient you particularly love to use? And what about dessert? Do you have a favourite sweet treat you love to make or enjoy?
Andreea Magliano replied, “My favourite recipe has to be a perfectly cooked steak in a green pepper sauce, served with a side of green beans and French fries. It’s a dish I always look forward to making and eating. I love cooking while I listen to comforting music like Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Andrea Bocelli, Aretha Franklin, and so on. It really sets the mood and makes the experience even more enjoyable. That combination of good food and good music just creates such a wonderful atmosphere. It’s really what my business is all about – bringing together food and music in a way that lifts your spirits and leaves you feeling so good. As for my favourite ingredient, it has to be the potato. I could eat potatoes in any form, at anytime, anywhere, prepared in any way. They’re so versatile and comforting—definitely a staple in my kitchen!
My favorite dessert has to be apple pie. I absolutely love it, whether it’s warm or cold. There’s something about a good apple pie that just feels comforting, and I especially have a soft spot for Romanian apple pie. It’s definitely my go-to sweet treat!”
Mapping the Future
The Arab Today: What are your long-term goals for Magliano’s Music & Comfort Food, and how do you see your other roles contributing to its growth?
Andreea Magliano replied, “My long-term goal for Magliano’s Music & Comfort Food is to expand it into a global brand that offers both physical and virtual experiences. I envision hosting music therapy workshops, cooking classes, and integrating my coaching expertise to create a platform where people can nurture their well-being through music, food, and personal growth. My roles as a strategist and vocal coach allow me to build the brand’s presence and develop innovative programs that bring people together in meaningful ways.”
A Journey through Life’s Trials
The Arab Today: You’ve mentioned that you’ve faced some life-altering challenges. Could you share a bit about some of those pivotal moments and how they’ve impacted your perspective on life?
Andreea Magliano replied, “Absolutely. Life has certainly thrown some unexpected challenges my way. I survived two strokes, which were a profound shock and at one point, I was in a coma—a time that changed everything for me. During that time, I was unaware that a revelation about my life was unfolding. A surprising discovery came to light – I was adopted. It’s interesting how people speak freely when they think you might not come back, almost like attending your own funeral and hearing what others truly think about you. When I woke up, I learned about my adoption, and it was a lot to process. That revelation added a whole new dimension to my identity, and it’s something that I’m still processing.
Shortly afterward, I faced a battle with cancer, which pushed me to confront my own mortality and only deepened my appreciation for life.
Each of these experiences has shaped who I am today, made me more resilient and taught me the importance of embracing each moment fully. I’ve come to appreciate how life’s hardships can shape us and reveal inner strengths we never knew we had.”
Self-Discovery & Personal Growth
The Arab Today: Learning that you were adopted at 30 must have been incredibly impactful. How did that discovery shape your understanding of yourself and your journey so far?
Andreea Magliano replied, “Finding out that I was adopted at 30 was like uncovering a hidden chapter of my life. It was both a shock and a revelation, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of who I am and where I come from. It made me realize that identity is not just about biology—it’s about the connections and relationships that we build. It was a challenging discovery, but it helped me embrace my own uniqueness and see my journey as something even more meaningful. Ultimately, it’s made me more accepting of the unexpected twists and turns that life brings.”
Lessons from Life’s Challenges
Lastly we asked, “Looking back on your journey, you’ve faced some remarkable challenges, including surviving cancer, enduring a coma, and learning about your adoption later in life. How have these experiences shaped who you are today, and what message do you hope others take away from your story?”
“These experiences have undeniably shaped the person I am today. Being in a coma, surviving two strokes, and overcoming cancer were defining moments that taught me resilience in ways I never imagined. Learning at 30 that I was adopted only added to this journey, leading me to question, rebuild, and ultimately redefine my identity. I believe these trials have made me more compassionate, more open-minded, and more appreciative of every moment I have. My hope is that others see that life’s challenges, no matter how overwhelming, can be faced and even overcome. If my story can inspire someone to hold on a little longer, to find strength within them when they think they have none left, then I know my journey has a purpose beyond my own survival.” Andreea Magliano Concluded
She also has a culinary blog called Magliano’s Comfort Food
Connect with Andreea Magliano’s Official Pages on LinkedIn and Facebook
Visit Magliano Music & Foreign Languages Facebook page here
She’s active on social media platforms like Instagram (Magliano Andreea Cristiana), TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and, of course, LinkedIn. These are all great places to connect and follow my work!
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