Due to the rough conditions in Southern Italy, many Italians immigrated to America in hopes for a better future.

That is exactly what my grandfather, Giuseppe Scarcello, did when he immigrated from Calabria, Italy.

He met his wife, Adeline, and they settled down and began a family in America.

They worked hard labor jobs that paid very little money. They barley understood English, so it was very tough for them to accustom themselves to a new country. Italians were looked down upon and it wasn't easy.

We were always raised to be proud of our background.

Our school sandwiches were made of Soppressata and Turano bread, not PB&J's like the other kids. We talked with our hands and were loud. We believed respect, loyalty, and hard work were important. We were shown traditions and recipes from the old country and they would involve us at a young age to be a part of it. They preached togetherness, family, and love.

We recognized we weren't "medigan" - there were differences that came with being raised from Italian parents or grandparents. We were always taught that this is something that should be celebrated.

When my grandparents passed, I felt that if I ignored their story, lessons, and background. That their sacrifice would go to waste.

I wanted their story to live on. This is when I decided to take a major risk. I quit my job and decided to go all-in on Hardcore Italians.

I put all the money I had invested into buying more merchandise, leasing a warehouse, hiring employees, and doing whatever it took.

Although entering into the unknown, I knew my grandparents gave us opportunity for a reason and I felt a responsibility to take a shot.

Just like they did when they immigrated from Italy!