Meet Nathalia Andrade | Creative Director & Designer

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

Hi Nathalia, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The idea behind Nahauz has always been to create a brand that will have an impact on the world and on local communities and, at the same time, to work on what we are passionate about. As a designer, I have focused on excellence and creativity, while being socially conscious, to create the most exquisite and unique pieces of furniture, fixtures, accessories, and décor using handcrafting methods. Let me tell you more about my vision. It was born from the desire to rescue and bring back to life traditional craftsmanship, like natural fiber weaving, wood carving, macramé techniques, carpentry, ceramics, metal forging, stone carving, and many others. I embarked on a journey of discovery to find the most skilled artisans in their crafts in different regions of Ecuador. In the process, not only did I learn the technical aspects of the various crafts, but I also learned the stories behind those hands. Most artisans learned their craft from their parents, grandparents, and so on for many generations. However, nowadays the younger generation is not interested in following their footsteps; instead, they look forward to moving to big cities to work in various other fields. At the same time, they are also facing competition from industrialized companies that can supply large markets at more affordable prices. Because of these reasons, the valuable knowledge from past generations is being lost day by day. I was touched and inspired by their passion and dedication to their art, a lifestyle away from our fast-paced, hectic world. My designs have been inspired by the richness of natural and organic materials, by the technique in a unique, handcrafted piece, and by the combination with more modern and contemporary lines.
Moreover, as a way to prevent the loss of this valuable ancient knowledge, I have set up a program for people who want to learn a craft that will allow them to earn additional income and eventually work in our workshop. Nahauz promotes fair trade and offers its artisans a platform so they can continue working on what they love. In return, Nahauz incorporates better and more refined finishes to its products. Additionally, an important value we instill in Nahauz is the use of raw materials that are environmentally friendly. For instance, we ensure that the wood we use comes from sustainable sources. We also use natural fibers like jute, wicker, cotton, banana, and others to weave chairs, lamps, and other accessories.
There is a long way ahead, with infinite possibilities for new designs, and still so much more to learn from artisans around the world. We look forward to rediscovering ancient techniques that we could incorporate into our processes. We also intend to incorporate vegan leather made from fruits and new plant-based organic fabrics in our upholstery.
Ultimately, Nahauz’ intention is to offer our customers handcrafted products that are well designed, environmentally friendly, refined, and made with love.
This is the soul of our business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The workflow I have created for my business is a conjunction of technology and handcraft. I like to think that Nahauz brings together the best of both worlds. About the design, in addition to mood boards and sketches, I use 3D modelling technology to create hyper-realistic models of furniture and interior decoration. Using 3D and renders, I can test different materials, colors, shapes, and an infinity of options that help me make the right decisions. Likewise, in the process of decorating interior spaces, our clients can visualize how their products and spaces will look like as a whole, so that they can see and be satisfied with the products they are purchasing. Nahauz offers our clients several options to choose from, which can go from designing a single piece of custom furniture up to entire custom spaces. Another option is to choose from a large collection of furniture pieces already in our catalogues. Most choose furniture from our catalogues, and I mix them with some custom-made pieces. In that regard, 3D technology is an incredibly valuable tool that allows us to be certain of how the final product is going to look like before it is even built. Becoming an expert in 3D virtual designing requires training in several software programs and what I call the 3 p’s: patience, practice, and perseverance. Once a certain level of expertise is attained, designing becomes an easier, agile, and fun process. In the same way, the handcrafting process requires a mastery of the art that is acquired through creativity, practice, experience, technical know-how, and an eye for detail. Certainly, like all things in life, building a design and manufacturing business and a brand is something that takes time and commitment. However, a sure shortcut is to read and learn as much as possible about several other subjects, such as finance, sales, team management, psychology, social networking, time management, and many others. Still, the most important lesson I have learned through experience is that work-life balance is non-negotiable. Maintaining clear boundaries between personal and work time is a recipe for success because we become more creative, energized, motivated, and productive, avoiding burnouts that can even drive us away from something we love doing. Time is the ultimate luxury.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visit me in my home country, Ecuador, I would try to make the most of it, turning it into a complete adventure. First I would visit the capital, Quito, and its historic world-heritage colonial center, which holds innumerable architectural jewels, especially my favorite, La Compañia, a church whose interior is decorated almost completely with gold leaf. Other interesting places to visit include the Basilica and San Francisco Church with its beautiful plaza, where if one is lucky, one might catch a cultural event taking place there. After that, lunch at Hotel Casa Gangotena is a must, with its signature cuisine inspired in the many and diverse ingredients available in our country. Visiting the city’s museums is mandatory if you want to learn about its colonial history, a magical, time-warping experience, heightened afterwards by La Casa del Alabado, a pre-Columbian museum displaying the most representative pieces of that period. Finally, a stroll along la Ronda Street to enjoy an afternoon coffee or a drink, especially a hot “canelazo” to warm up Quito’s nights. Later, I would then take them on a tour of Ecuador’s highlands, an exhilarating experience worthy of being in your bucket list. A stop at the National Cotopaxi Park for an exciting hike and amazing views of its enormous snowcapped volcano. Another breathtaking volcano is the Chimborazo, nearly four miles high and the tallest point on Earth measured from its center. We would go for a guided hike or, if prepared and feeling adventurous, climb all the way up to its summit, and then resting and recovering in the cozy town of Riobamba. For those interested in artisans and crafts, like me, a stop to check out handmade leather items in Quisapincha and the laborious handmade rugs in Guano is a must.
Heading back North, Otavalo would be the next highlight, especially on a Saturday, when we could catch the indigenous fair at Plaza de los Ponchos, a display of colorful fabrics with embroidered traditional patterns, marvelous necklaces, and a variety of vibrant accessories.
After exploring the highlands, a nice relaxing couple of days at the beach, eating the most amazing fresh seafood would be a treat not to be missed. Another to do thing would be to visit the artisans that weave wicker and Panama Hats in Montecristi.
It there is still time left, we could take a trip to the enchanted Galapagos Islands or the exotic Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. Both are places full of the most incredible biodiversity, paradises for nature lovers.
Thanks to the amazing diversity of its landscapes, regions, biodiversity, and cultural communities, Ecuador is a gem with many secrets to be unveiled and adventures to be lived, so additional visits and trips would be totally recommended!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to several important people that have always been there supporting me. First, I would like to dedicate this to my father, who is the one who has always listened to my ideas and has helped me turn them into a real business concept. It is sometimes having someone you look up to, who believes in you and in your ability to reach your goals that makes all the difference.
Along the way, the support of my partner David has been invaluable to me. He is my partner in crime, the one who has joined this adventure and visited along with me artisans in different communities in the breathtaking landscapes of Ecuador. Together we have lived magical moments in our quest, whether outdoors or working in our shop, putting together a piece of furniture. We now work together, and he is the supervisor and logistics manager of our company.
I must also mention my loving mother, who is my number one fan. I am so lucky to have a mother who loves me unconditionally and cheers me up all the time, always proud of her daughter. That fills my heart and encourages me to be the best I can be. Additionally, I have to give a shoutout to my dear brothers and my amazing stepmother Isabel, who have always helped me in so many ways. I am incredibly lucky to have such a huge support system behind me.
Again, this would not have been possible if it were not for my amazing clients who have trusted us with their homes, offices, stores, and many other spaces where Nahauz has worked. They have shared our vision and I truly feel honored to have designed custom spaces and furniture for them.
Finally, the huge amount of material from several digital mentors and influencers on entrepreneurship, empowerment, self- love, mindfulness, etc., have been of enormous value into becoming a better businesswoman, designer, and person. Acquiring knowledge on other areas of business and life is something I would strongly recommend to other entrepreneurs, for it will greatly help you to reach your goals and dreams.

Website: www.nahauz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nahauzstudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalia-andrade-14833433/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NahauzStudio

Other: https://www.behance.net/nathaliaandrade

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Photography by Sebastián Ribadeneira