Meet Cristina Suárez | Furniture designer & CEO of Tavolini Furniture

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristina Suárez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristina, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
“Look deep into nature, admire it, love it, and you will find yourself surrounded by pure beauty”. I think that nowadays we are so focused on getting things done, that we often forget to admire the natural beauty that surrounds us. We forget that we are also part of that beauty; that our essence is purely natural. My mission with Tavolini is to make you remember your true essence. My furniture is inspired by nature and its textures, to give you that connection with the natural world within your home for a life focused on your well-being. All of my products are hand-crafted by Colombian artisans using natural woods from planted tropical forests and reflecting the same beauty we find in nature. Each piece is completely unique and full of character.

What should our readers know about your business?
Since I was little, what I loved to do most (hours passed by without even noticing) were arts and crafts, and was also very good at it. There was something inside of me that knew that I wanted to have my own business for showing the world my vision through design and create a positive impact on people’s lives. I then studied product design in Milan, Italy where I discovered my passion for designing furniture and knew that I wanted to make people’s lives easier and more enjoyable at home.

Tavolini Furniture reflects my 2 passions: furniture design & nature. Tavolini stands for “small tables” in Italian because the table is a space in which a family comes together to share stories, life´s moments, and unforgettable experiences. Although I am Colombian, I wanted to give my brand an Italian name because it was in Milan that I discovered my passion. Tavolini is more than furniture, it is an experience.

What makes my brand special is the originality and functionality behind my designs. I am never aware of my competition (actually I don’t design with the intention to compete with others); I design from my heart and soul to get out there something different that will make a positive change in people’s homes.

It has not been easy though. When you are an entrepreneur, you feel all the time as if you were on a roller coaster. Risk-taking can be very scary and stressful, but it is extremely necessary if you want to have your own business. If you don’t jump into the void, you will never know if something is going to work or not. The fear of being in the “unknown” is normal and it’s something that will always be there; but for me, it has also been the best opportunity to learn and get better at something.

I have learned along the way that perseverance is the best habit you can build. You are not going to feel always motivated, and sometimes you will feel that you are going nowhere, but the discipline of trying every day is what will take you far. A big change is a collection of small steps, baby steps, and it takes time. I have been trying for around 5 years now, and I am just starting to see my first results. You are the only one responsible for making things happen and behind each challenge, there is a gift wrapped with experience. If you don’t move, no one will do it for you.

I am extremely happy and excited to have my products available for sale in the US and hope to fill your home spaces with natural exclusiveness and great functionality.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am from Medellin, Colombia, a city located in a valley surrounded by mountains with great views and known as “the city of the eternal spring” thanks to its climate all year long. I would start with the city’s views and then a walk through the “Plaza Botero”, a museum park showcasing sculptures by famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Then, a visit to the “Jardin Botánico” is a must, a botanical garden with more than 4,500 flowers and 140 bird species, remarkable for its collection of orchids. I would then hang out at “Provenza”, an area full of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Here you can find delicious food from all over the world, and enjoy our local beers, rums, and aguardiente, as well as our local music like “Vallenato” or “Reggaeton”. Medellin has many towns nearby worth visiting with incredible views like “El Peñol”, a lake with breathtaking views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my family specially my mom, my 2 brothers, my boyfriend, my aunts, and my friends, who have always supported me to do my best, and believed in me (even when I doubted myself). Without them, nothing of this would have been possible.

Website: https://tavolini.co

Instagram: @tavolinifurniture

Facebook: @tavolinifurniture

Other: I am also available for sale on Amazon and Etsy.
You can find my brand as TavoliniFurniture on Etsy following this link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TavoliniFurniture
On Amazon, you will find me as Tavolini Furniture, following this link to my store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/7B51D2C7-BBDA-4D2B-88FD-AA5E6977E555