João Carlos Silva

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In 1975, fate dealt me a lucky hand and I became an artisan. I had just left my post in the petrol industry when my neighbor invited me to help him craft leather bags. At the beginning I only sold the pieces, and eventually I started helping him more and more crafting the bags.

This craft soon improved my quality of life, although it does require total dedication. I didn't have the opportunity to study and acquire a professional formation, and my aunt and uncle brought me up in a rural area in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Thinking back to my childhood days, I realized that crafting leather goods has always been present in my life. My uncles produced all sorts of leather baskets for their own use, as well as musical instruments including drums, which they sold at local fairs. I was only a child, but I was always curious and observed them at work, and I tried to help in any way possible. Then, as if dictated by destiny, I found myself obtaining the necessary permits to sell my own leather bags!

"I feel so happy and proud to see my work is now exhibited to shoppers around the world – it's like crowning my artistic trajectory."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

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