How Gelato helps illustrator Alizée Castel bring the world’s colors into homes across the globe

Alizée did not initially plan to become an illustrator. After business school she built a career in marketing, working both in agencies and on the client side. A role at Starbucks creative studio in Seattle placed her among designers whose passion reignited her own connection to art.

“I was always creative but I never really followed that path. With more free time, I did a lot of drawings. I picked up an iPad and started drawing more digitally as well.”

As she created more work, she decided to try selling her illustrations online.

At first, Alizée worked with a small print partner in the United States. That worked for a while, but her vision was bigger. She wanted her art to reach people everywhere, especially across Europe where she already had an audience.

“I needed to find a company that could be global because I wanted to sell in Europe, not just the US.”

Her research eventually led her to Gelato.

“I did a lot of online research and stumbled upon Gelato. I tried Gelato and the quality was great. I never really looked back.”

With local production in so many countries, Gelato allowed her art to travel farther while reducing shipping time for customers.

One of Alizée’s first thoughtful collections compared Paris and Beirut, inspired by her French heritage and her husband’s Lebanese background. When she shared the series online, she saw how deeply it resonated.

“I realized there are not a lot of offerings for Lebanese related art and there is demand. The Lebanese diaspora is everywhere.”

Her work often explores food, cities and the small comforts of daily life. These themes helped her connect with customers who long for a piece of home or a reminder of a beloved place.

Over time, Alizée began seeing reliable and consistent sales. Fast local production has been essential in delivering a smooth experience for her customers.

Whether orders are headed to France, Lebanon, Senegal or the United States, she knows Gelato can get her art to the right place.

She also uses the Gelato mobile app to stay connected to her shop even while traveling.

“I use it mainly for looking at my orders, especially when I am traveling and do not have access to a computer.”
And when she needs help, she knows she will get it.

“Props to customer service. They have always been helpful with me. I appreciate it.”

For Alizée, Gelato provides dependable quality and stress free fulfillment. That support lets her return her focus to what she loves most: illustrating the culture, food and places that inspire her.

Her journey is a reminder that creative careers can begin in unexpected ways and grow through persistence, curiosity and trust in the right partners.

“I hope my journey inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter how unconventional.”

With Gelato handling production and delivery, Alizée’s art continues to brighten homes across the globe and connect people to the places they love.