How did it all ignite?
I came back to Malta in 2008 and wanted to start anew. Abroad, I had already started creating my own products inspired from my own drawings and the country that I used to live in. Once in Malta, the inspiration for my creations had to be my own country, Malta, and this gave me the motivation to do things differently. I was determined to introduce something new to the market.
What is a creativepreneur?
It is a term that I discovered recently and with which I identify myself, because creativepreneur means that you have the be both a creative and an entrepreneur
What is your job?
For the last 16 years, my work evolved. At first, I used to focus on ink drawings, inspired from everyday life in Malta – such as building facades, religious functions and bakery shops.
Eventually, I started doing portraits of traditional Maltese doors and tiles. Going forward, I started to design my own collections. Currently, I have more than 450 products in my collection.
How did one of your mugs, depicting Maltese traditional doors, feature on CNN?
It was a pleasant surprise. I was at an event hosted by the American Embassy in Malta. On my way out, I was introduced to Brianna Keilar, a CNN news anchor, who told me that she loved traditional Maltese doors. I asked her when she was flying back to the US, but she said that she’d be departing early morning.
I would have loved to show her my works but told her that I would be sending her a mug depicting a traditional Maltese door. Next thing I know, it featured on CNN. Someone from the US Embassy told me ‘Believe me, Brianna wouldn’t have shown that mug on her TV show unless she believed in it’’.
What do colors mean to you?
How can you live in a world without colors? It would be a very boring world. Colors give life, they have their own character, personality and voice.
What inspires you?
Inspiration can be found anywhere but it depends how ready you are to get inspired.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Rather than saying what is the best advice I ever received – especially since I didn’t have anyone to give me advise along the way, I would say that the worst advise I ever received was that I was crazy in embarking on this career and that I would never succeed. That was what motivated me most to give it my all and succeed.
Your advice to someone starting a new business?
Believe in what you’re doing and in yourself. If you have an idea and your idea is authentic, do it!
How do you define a good leader?
You must learn how to delegate, as it gives you more time to be creative. You must also be able to identify the right qualities, and strengths, in others.
How do you manage time?
Time management is something I was accustomed to from a young age. When I was young, I had read a quotation, in the Reader’s Digest Magazine, which remained with me till today: ‘Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today’. I consider time to be my biggest asset. Discipline too is very important especially if you are working from home.
Did your parents encourage you?
At the beginning of my career, when I was studying graphic design, my parents were not aware of the subject. This was 35 years ago – for my father, job security was important, and he was worried that graphic design wouldn’t provide me the job security I needed.
When I became self-employed, I did not tell them so as not to worry them but eventually they realised. Today, my father is very proud of me and my achievements – my mother sadly passed away. My husband supports and encourages me a lot.
How do you generate new ideas?
I have 8 collections, each with its own identity, characteristics and strategy. This makes it easier to come up with new ideas. The challenge is which product I will choose and how much time and money to invest in it.
Which is your favourite product?
It’s difficult to choose – they are ALL my children. They are part of me – my passion, my time and my energy.
Is your work recognised abroad?
When I was in Oman, my work was inspired by that country. I have also showcased my Maltese products at the Dubai Expo, and they were sold out. I also had positive feedback at the Malta day in London and through our website, we export worldwide.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Working less and creating more!
