Meet Ramina, the creator of Kariokas

We are delighted to introduce you to Pamina, the founder of KARIOKAS and talented designer of the prints for the Canopea x Kariokas collaboration. Inspired by the enchanting landscapes of South America, she shares with us her dream destinations and favorite places in her homeland... shall we take you there?

What is your background? Could you tell us about your beginnings with Kariokas? How did your adventure begin?

I studied international politics in the United States at Georgetown University and then did a master's degree in European politics in Belgium before working for several years for solar energy companies in close collaboration with several European governments to evolve regulations on renewable energies. Environmental protection has always been part of my professional development.

Was it always your idea to create your own brand? Was there a specific moment or did it evolve over time?

When I did my MBA, pregnant with my first child, I had a moment of enlightenment and realized that to be truly fulfilled I had to do something more creative. I remember a class where one of the professors told us, to launch a new business and succeed you have to do what you love most and that you could do 24/7, and for me it was clear it was 3 things: drawing, interior design and South America.

Very quickly the idea of ​​creating a wallpaper brand with my designs was born.

Do you follow a specific creative process to imagine your projects? Where do you start?

It often starts with my travels and the landscapes of South America; there's always the desire to tell stories and convey messages. I often draw inspiration from my reading and themes that touch me, such as the protection of indigenous cultures or the magic of certain ecosystems. For example, my latest collection, Cinco, was conceived after watching a documentary about the Amazonian Indians.

But it can also be a color combination or the shape of a plant, I take a lot of photos as a starting point so as not to forget the shapes, the details.

What worlds inspire you? More specifically, can you tell us more about the influence of South America in your creations?

South America touches me in particular. My mother was Brazilian and Colombian, born in Argentina. I have family all over South America and I have traveled there since I was little and filled my eyes with these colors, contrary to European codes (the mountains can be purple or red), the enormous size of the plants, the songs of frogs and birds (almost electro music sometimes). And then the spirituality and magic of indigenous cultures have always been present in my education. South American literature and its current of magical realism also influences me a lot.

You often return to South America, what are your three favorite destinations?

Rio above all, it's a wonderful city, I got married there, I feel at home there, a landscape unique in the world,

Cartagena in Colombia, straight out of a novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a historic and festive city with a magical atmosphere

Do you have any favorite kid-friendly addresses (hotels, restaurants or both) there to share with us?

In Rio, the Fairmont Hotel is ideal for families and is located right between Copacabana and Ipanema. Things to do with the kids include watching the sunset in Ipanema, visiting the Santa Teresa neighborhood, or seeing Corcovado and its stunning view of the bay.

Cartagena is full of divine boutique hotels (Casa Pombo, Casa Pestagua) but for families the must is the Santa Clara, a sublime former cloister.

The best time to go?

If you're looking for warmth and don't mind some tropical rains between late November and early March in Rio, Cartagena is great from October.

Don't let all this stop you from having a wonderful holiday in the sun. By learning to tame it, you'll make it one of your most faithful allies!

Find his work on kariokas.com and @kariokas_design