MIAMI — Loredana Passariello’s story began in Italy, where she worked as an accountant.

It was a leap of faith, however, that led her to make a change.

Passariello spent years behind the scenes helping build her family’s La Leggenda Pizzeria in Miami Beach.

Passariello and her husband, Giovanni, of more than 30 years, have always been side-by-side.

For years, Giovanni was in the spotlight, winning several awards around the world.

When he decided to step away from competing, it was Passariello’s turn to shine.

She entered a major competition in Las Vegas, competing against top pizza makers from around the world.

In stunning fashion, Passariello won.

“I wanted to validate our shared work and see what those 30 years of working side-by-side with him had truly amounted to. And, quite unexpectedly, I won. I won a very prestigious championship,” Passariello told Local 10’s Alexis Frazier.

Loredana told Frazier that she hopes to keep inspiring girls and women to try something new.

You can get your own taste of their pies on South Beach. Click here for more information.

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