Filipe & Cláudia, founders of OcactuuCan you share a bit about yourselves ?
We always had a big passion for art and design, Filipe with a great passion for photography and Cláudia with a background in fashion and design. However, we never considered establishing a brand or running a business. When the covid hit our way of thinking changed. Everything that was once only a hobby for us gained strength, and the desire to invest in something new became a reality. We felt that people started to give more value to the portuguese products and what was handmade, and it was the perfect time to create our brand.
Can you walk us through your creative process?
Our creative process at O Cactuu is influenced by our experiences, especially our travels around the world. The different cultures we come across inspire us. Also, our concept "buy better, keep forever,” influences the way we design a product which means that each product is designed to be useful and functional so that it can last forever. For us, it is important to combine aesthetics with functionality.
Portuguese are renowned for many crafts. How do you think living in Portugal has shaped the approach you have on design?
Living in Portugal has shaped our approach to design. We are influenced by the craftsmanship and attention to detail that are synonymous with Portuguese design. Our commitment to quality and handmade is evident in every aspect of our work, from the sourcing of materials to the production process itself. We work to preserve Portugal's tradition while bringing a contemporary and minimalist touch to our designs.
Your Vases holder and textiles are stunning !
We believe that our pieces can look beautiful on their own, without the need of adding anything else to them. We believe in the different shapes we create, so we know our pieces will shine on their own in any space. However, we encourage our customers to embrace their creativity and personalize their spaces to reflect their personality. An arrangement of tulips or dried flowers can also add a perfect touch to our vases.
What is your proudest creation so far?
It's hard to pick just one, but if we had to, we would say the Blanc collection as it was our first release and is still well-known, and is one of the most popular products on o cactuu.
Any advice for aspiring designers?
Our advice for aspiring designers is to stay true to their unique vision and never stop learning and experimenting. Embrace challenges as opportunities and surround themselves with a supportive community who can offer guidance, feedback and support. But, above all, believing in the project is the most important thing.