We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Fantauzzi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
What I planned and what transpired were entirely two different experiences. A lot of times in planning we focus so hard on the end result, but we miss opportunities. My end result was interrupted by a pandemic so I had to figure out how manifest my ideas during a period in which I literally had no control in building something tangible. I decided in 2019 to build a small artists residence/boutique hotel in Spain with a few friends. I spent the entire year traveling and making decisions then the world locked down in early 2020. Last year, after a series of other issues I decided to begin the first part of my project online and with a small boutique shop based in Chicago. One of my dreams in building this boutique hotel was for it to be focused on artisanal design and handcrafted products I had sourced from my travels around the world so I decided I should build it the hotel boutique shop even before the hotel was built. I called it the Recuerdos Shop (Souvenir shop) and began this part of my ultimate concept for a very enthusiastic and welcoming audience. I wanted every item in my shop to be an authentic, handcrafted object and sourced candles from Oaxaca, handbags from Morocco, specialty soaps from Paris, works of art and beauty that had soul poured into them. I also created my own house line because my background in formulation and perfumery is what I had been known for and my customers and clients really wanted me to continue creating for them. It’s been an adventurous journey and I learned to release the need to feel in control and embrace building through creativity instead.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have a background in art and education. My passion for travel, art and culture allowed me to pursue a career in perfumery and product formulation. I became obsessed with studying and learning the art and science of product formulation and perfumery. I also began a journey in sourcing materials, meeting and connecting with producers and the countries and environments in which raw materials are grown. It is such an important aspect and my foundation for developing the products and perfumes we sell to customers. I wanted to include the stories of the very vibrant ingredients we use in developing exquisite products. From the sustainable cultivation of plant materials, the gentle extraction of Amazonian products to the impact we make on communities when we buy directly and consciously. I think my background as a teacher helps me to want to provide the very nuanced storytelling behind something beautiful and tangible. There isn’t a lot of that happening with mass manufacturing so I knew from the beginning I wanted to create from a full circle concept. I believe it’s important to understand what you’re paying for, which sadly mass consumerism relies on blind consumption, but for me and my small team we feel the origins of every element of our creations are integral to the outcome. Even the soy inks printed on our bottles, post consumer waste packaging and the additional details we provide in personalized communication with our audience.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A very important lesson I had to unlearn was that I was unfit to run a small brand due to not having gone to business school or having a business background.. In the beginning, I dealt with many people who wanted to redirect my story and advise me on how to do things the way they believed it should be done. I was often asked what “business school” I went to and it never resonated with me that in order to pursue a set of goals and dreams I had dared to create in the first place, I needed this business background in order to succeed. So I dropped that notion and the idea of feeling like an imposter and began to find the folks that garnered creativity and excitement to work with. I’ve felt 100% much more authentic and empowered since.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One thing I champion in myself is the ability to bring connection to others. I have always thought big even when I was at zero and honestly I see myself as an excellent problem solver which is what any business owner or creator is going to have to learn to contend with. If I could pass on any wisdom is that you learn to adapt and master the ability to deal with problem. There will always be problems and as soon as they’re fixed, there will more more. It’s been my experience that through problems and unforeseen issues a truly great opportunity is waiting to be explored and if you don’t allow yourself to drown in sorrow or fear you can bring connection and joy to those that are awaiting it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.casabrava.co
- Instagram: @casabravaproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casabravaproject/
Image Credits
Ale Vidal, Sarah Laos, Gintare Marcel, Jessica Albers