“What I love most about Italian culture is the innate inclination to make everything beautiful. Italians are masters of design, approaching craftsmanship with dedication and love. They have a remarkable ability to elevate even the simplest moments—like dipping a cookie into an espresso or enjoying an afternoon aperitivo in a delicately-designed cup—turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.”
Petricca’s initial desire to launch Galana stems from her own personal upbringing. Growing up, her parents’ house was next to her uncle’s, where her cousin Patricio, a successful architect and interior designer, lived. Patricio and his mother owned an antique store and filled their home with countless unique and beautiful objects. Their collection fascinated Pia; there was always something new to admire, something that felt like a treasure. Since there was no fence between the backyards, she would often wander over, captivated by the stories these objects seemed to tell. This experience taught her to view objects as more than functional or decorative—they became companions, each with its own presence and character.
Pia eagerly looked forward to any occasion where she would receive a gift from her cousin or aunt, knowing it would always be something unique and full of character—and she was never disappointed. These moments instilled in her a deep appreciation for meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts.
Petricca aims to evoke and recreate these emotional sentiments for her clients—the joy of giving thoughtful, unique gifts that will be cherished forever. "Her offerings range from vintage, one-of-a-kind, or limited-batch pieces crafted by individual artisans to simple yet thoughtfully curated objects that are vibrant and full of character.
The name Galana reflects these values. In Spanish, it means “well-adorned, with elegance and good taste.” In Venezuela, the word galán was often used to describe a man who carried himself with grace, courtesy, and charm. To Pia, Galana embodies a warm, feminine energy—a store that brings beauty and coziness to homes, creating spaces that feel both special and familiar.
Pia’s goal with Galana is to provide a curated selection of beautiful, high-quality objects across different styles and price ranges. Unlike large, and often overwhelming gift businesses with thousands of products, Galana will simplify and streamline the customer experience by offering carefully curated and special items in pristine condition. Petricca and her team team will work directly with clients personally selecting items uniquely tailored to the needs and style of their home.
Galana’s unique value lies in its dynamic nature. The collection will continuously evolve, focusing primarily on decorative home objects while gradually expanding into personal items, jewelry, and small furniture. New items will be introduced regularly, with the only criterion being that each piece is unique and beautiful. Everything is chosen to contribute to spaces that are comfortable, inviting, and uniquely tailored to those who inhabit them.
