Fátima Bravo is a restless and multifaceted woman, as well as a friend whom I admire. Supportive, curious, happy and endearing, she is passionate about beauty in all its expressions. We approach her to discover her personal and professional side, which we hope inspires you. Keep reading and learn more about this incredible woman who is worth knowing.

"I like beauty in all its expressions, perhaps this is the reason why I have been involved, in recent years, in these projects", Fátima Bravo speaking about her career.

I have known Fatima for several years and from the beginning I was fascinated by her authenticity, her courage and her passion for everything she does. His career has been dedicated to the support and dissemination of crafts and culture, thanks to which I have learned a lot. Together we spent a fun morning enjoying art and beauty and her unique personality.

Mixing entrepreneurship and craft

You have a very varied professional career. You are currently dedicated to something that has nothing to do with your previous stage. You studied Information Sciences and after working as a journalist for years you decided to create your own company. What led you to this change?

After almost fourteen years dedicating myself to journalism, working in different media in the Canary Islands, I felt the need to reinvent myself, to do and learn new things. I created a company with a partner who lived in Mexico, selling products made by Mexican artisans. I have always loved traveling and learning about the work of artisans from all over the world. When I traveled I always approached them and spent hours contemplating the invaluable work they do with their hands. In my house I have a small collection of those wonderful hand-woven works. 

 Then you continued linked to the support of crafts and joined Laibaján. What memories do you have of this project?

The first company marketed handmade work in Mexico and the second promoted and distributed artisanal work from different parts of the world; it was a much broader project. Together with its founder, Beatriz Goizueta, we market products from Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Morocco, Tibet, Laos and Spain. We were always willing to travel to those places to bring our clients unique works, difficult to find in the typical craft markets that exist in the world. We went to their houses, to their communities, and sometimes we even lived with them. It was a very enriching experience. We advised them above all on aspects that had to do with the measurements and colors that could have a greater market in the European market, and in this way we managed to facilitate their sale without their designs losing identity. This second company also took the social responsibility part into account; All their products were environmentally friendly, of course, without leaving aside the design and creativity in each of their pieces.

Fátima posing with our Frida bracelet, Marrakech bracelet y Marrakech rings

LCULTURE AS A LIFESTYLE

You finally decided to create a solo company, dedicated to cultural management. I think this is the project that has allowed you the most to be yourself and contribute something unique. What does your work consist of? 

Well, that change was progressive, ten years ago, in Tenerife, I did the Doctorate Courses in Art History while working in the world of communication. When I went to live in Madrid, already working in the sale of crafts, I began to complement that activity with cultural management, organizing different cultural initiatives such as exhibitions, concerts, summer cinemas...

At that stage I completed a Master's Degree in Cultural Management and it was then that I decided to create my own talent agency, “DEROULOTTE, Paradas Culturales”, in order to give maximum visibility to the artists with whom I currently collaborate on various projects. The last project I carried out in Tenerife was 'The word cycle', an initiative that unites concerts and literature in four events throughout the year; Due to covid-19, only the first could be held. We will resume the rest at the end of next year in the same place, the former convent of Santo Domingo. If you are interested in knowing the artists with whom I collaborate and the activities I organize, I invite you to visit deroulotte.com. 

Right now I am working on two cultural initiatives that will begin to develop in the middle of next year and that will last for months. One is related to music and the other is an exhibition project.

One of the projects you are involved in is a documentary about Son Cubano with the musician Santiago Auserón. Tell us about this project!

Yes, it is called “Semilla del Son” and it is a very interesting project in which I am lucky to be the Executive Producer. We traveled to Cuba before the state of alarm and unfortunately, we were caught by COVID-19 there, so we had to suspend filming. We missed filming the last part, which we will resume next year. 

You have recently returned to Tenerife after living a period in Madrid. How are you experiencing this change and in such a special moment with the pandemic?

Living abroad allows you to access a wide range of cultural offerings, make contacts, meet different artists and get ideas and inspiration from all kinds of art-related shows. That is the great advantage of having lived for so many years in a big city like Madrid. I am noticing the change a lot because here I had always done other types of work but I love my land and I am sure that I will be able to contribute a lot and develop interesting cultural activities here. This is not the time to organize large events but little by little and with the measures, precautions and adequate capacity we will get ahead. Culture is safe and absolutely necessary for the development of people. 

I love being with you because you spread vitality, enthusiasm and passion for what you do. What excites you most about your work?

I can talk a lot here but I'm going to summarize it this way: that the good reaches the public, that artistic vocations are consolidated and that the artists I promote can make a living from their creative work.

You have always been linked to art and culture. What does that world offer you?

I am extremely curious and I recognize that I have a lot of sensitivity; I really enjoy any artistic discipline. Culture is an essential part of my life and I think it is also an essential part of a large part of the population. We have all benefited from culture the days we have been confined. We had never read so much, listened to so much music, watched so many movies, series, documentaries...

Fátima channeling our  Chloe rings

We were lucky enough to meet years ago, when you were in your Laibaján days and I had just created Hissia. We immediately connected because we share a lot in terms of our values ​​and way of seeing many things. What do you think about Hissia?

I am a great admirer of the firm and entrepreneurial people like you. I believe that the brand is an extension of your personality, your values, your way of understanding design, your personal taste and your sensitivity. Your creations are elegant, artistic and very inspiring. I connect a lot with your sensitivity and values. I think your commitment to that mix of wearable and sophisticated pieces at the same time is a great success, above all I love that cultural component in all the creations that are inspired by the world of art. Since I met you I always carry a piece of Hissia with me.

Bea Vergara posing with our Kasia earrings, Chloe necklace and Cleo rings

I know you have many of our jewelry. What would you say is your favorite piece?

Ugh, it's hard to choose which is my favorite piece, I love them all. The double ear cuff is a basic for me. My latest acquisition is the "Frida" rings and I can't take them off. They have a spectacular design, they are elegant, light and very, very flattering.

Fátima with our Frida gold hoops

You have a very beautiful house that breathes your love for art! I would have them all!, but what is your favorite piece?

I love living with art but I have not become a collector in the strictest sense either. What I can tell you about is the favorite work of art I have at home, a sculpture by a French artist, Régis Chaperon. It is made of Carrara marble and I have it hanging in the skylight of my patio.

Discover more about her projects  www.deroulotte.com

Jewelry: Hissia

Clothing: Espacio A

Styling:  Amuhaici Luis

Photography: Yolanda Prunell