Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Because each product is unique. Because the artisans (in our case, housewives trying to make a living, to improve their family’s budget) put all their creativity and dedication in each piece. And finally, because it’s beautiful!
claudia allamandi
Random Facts About You?1) The most beautiful city in the world: Rio de Janeiro
2) My favourite quote: Walt Disney's, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
3) The love of my life: my three adorable kids, Pedro, Helena & Eduardo
4) an advice: "in terms of investments it's the best thing you can do: to surround yourself with beautiful things!" Oprah Winfrey
5) what touches my heart: the kindness and the optimism of the Brazilian people
What got you started crafting?
Actually, I don't craft. I do love beauty though and in this search for everything that looks lovely, I found the Brazilian craft (I'm Brazilian also). Their work is absolutely great and the story of the artisans is touching!
As many as 87% of Brazilian artisans - and there are over 8 million of them - are women, who are turning their lives around with their work.
What often started as a means to generate a little extra income has now become the central activity of many families and communities. It is absolutely touching to witness husbands acknowledging their wives' enterprising efforts and often abandoning their jobs to start a new career to help the family produce more!
So, this is the story of the people of my country. I decided that I wanted to help them so I have a online store to promote and to sell their crafts!
What is your source of inspiration?
The Brazilian art and natural resources
What have you made recently?
We only sell what is handmade. But it is only handmade for the sake of it: our artists work with raw material extracted from the local environment - tree leaves, a great variety of seeds and straw are used in traditional techniques to create original, beautiful colorful pieces!
Because we develop a sustainable business that depends entirely on natural, seasonal materials, our stock is limited and products are not mass produced
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I sell them online: www.meninastore.com.
We also have a blog: http://www.theethicallychallenged.blogspot.com (A year in the life of a novice ethical consumer)
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Because each product is unique. Because the artisans (in our case, housewives trying to make a living, to improve their family's budget) put all their creativity and dedication in each piece. And finally, because it's beautiful!
Find Me
LocationSunny Brazil
Email Address
claudia allamandi
Personal Website
http://theethicallychallenged.blogspot.com
Store Website
http://www.meninastore.com
http://meninastore.com