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Carlos Paiva

"Before I began starting designing and creating palm straw handbags and clutches, I worked as a wood carver.

"When I was 18, a good wood carver who is a friend of mine, taught me to carve saints. At that time, it was easy to sell them at the handicraft market and I was thrilled when I sold my first piece. For the next six years I was able to make a living from my art but, when the sales in the market went down, I started driving a taxi to sustain myself.

"Some years later, I decided to buy buriti palm fiber, dye it and sell to the artisans who were making straw handbags.

"I noticed that they were repeating the same designs and shapes. That's when I began to create my own designs. Today, there are 15 artisans working with me and my handbags are appreciated in Brazil and as far away as Europe.

"I was the first to dye the palm straw with quality, and I have taught the technique to many other buriti palm artisans.

"Now, with Novica, my bags will go to so many women in different countries. I hope they receive many compliments each time they use them."