In 1910, Stephania Lipari boards a steamship with her father, mother and thousands of other Italian immigrants to make a new life in America. Stephania travels with burning desire to prove her worthiness to her father. In fact, everything she does to win his love.

A neighborhood boy also makes the trip. Tomas Aiello has the same quest to prove himself in America. He establishes a successful delivery business, in order to win the Stephania's heart. Stephania's father admires the boy's ambition and supports Tomas' efforts, while he ignores his daughter. Stephania's intense jealously of Tomas causes her to turn her back on him and seek revenge for her father's betrayal.

Stephania's toughness, intelligence, and ambition are recognized by Luigi Fabiano, a serious rival to her Mafioso father. With Fabiano's support, Stephania finds love, support and a place on Fifth Avenue with New York's top fashion designers.