St. Petersburg 'poet-for-hire' Giovanni Cerro writes fast, lovely verse for strangers

Giovanni Cerro, a St. Petersburg poet, has turned his childhood passion for writing into a vibrant business called "Gio's Typos," where he crafts personalized poems for strangers. Having previously worked in corporate America, including a stint at Tesla, Cerro realized his true calling was in poetry and storytelling. He utilizes an old Hermes 3000 typewriter and the backs of discarded maps to create poems that resonate emotionally with his clients. Cerro describes his work as "writing permission slips for people to feel their feelings again," emphasizing the therapeutic aspect of poetry.

While he takes on corporate gigs, much of his work is done for tips at local markets and coffee shops around Tampa Bay. Customers can also order poems online, making his service accessible to a wider audience. With each poem, Cerro not only provides a unique piece of art but also fosters an empathetic connection with those he serves. His initiative is a refreshing reminder of the power of personal expression in an increasingly digital world.