What they say about me

How did your passion for embroidery begin?

This passion arrived like a bolt from the blue about a couple of years ago thanks to a person who put a needle and thread in my hand. And from that moment, as if by magic, these two elements took over.

I have always wondered why this thing came out so naturally and perhaps the answer is in my childhood: my paternal grandmother was very good at crochet, like almost all women of the time, and my mother was very precise in her sewing. I grew up in a completely feminine and very religious environment so I always breathed in sacred themes. The funny thing is, however, that I never had the opportunity to learn anything from them: every time I asked how to do this and how to do that they always told me to go out and play. And I listened to them!

But the seeds had been planted and my curiosity for antiques, especially textiles, watered what was ready to sprout. I took these signals so seriously that I decided to turn this passion into my work, opening a company and creating my brand @ the.red.embroidery.

What’s the best thing that has happened to you since you decided to undertake this project?

The best thing since I started making my pieces is something that actually repeats itself every time a customer of mine receives the product they ordered: the messages and “declarations” of love that I receive thanks to my creations; they are the fire that fuels my passion.

Another beautiful thing I care a lot about and that, after much time and effort has finally started, is the collaboration with the inmates of Mantua prison. To date, I am collaborating with two of them. I was curious to learn more about this reality of which I knew very little and in addition I needed help to increase production while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship. I wondered if it was possible to create a virtuous circle. The answer seems to be in the affirmative.

And with this perspective always in mind, I am also involving women who are no longer young and who no longer work but who know how to use a needle and thread because they did it when they were younger.

I like to think that I’m putting women back on track, women who have so many hidden cards to play and much to teach.

In short, a rich, all-female heterogeneous community.

Why should your life inspire the lives of other women?

I consider myself very lucky, despite the fact that destiny wasn’t always so sweet when I was little.

My soul evolved in a way that allows me to involve, help and enhance other people too, creating beautiful and appreciated things that I enjoy doing a lot.

I am lucky as well since I have a family that supports me in this adventure.

Lucky because my expressiveness comes in a mature and favourable context for my creations: my embroideries most likely would not have been appreciated 50 years ago because they are unconventional and come after decades of globalisation and mass production. Many people have come back to appreciate the unique, refined, handmade and even personalised work.

Not meaning to be unappreciative of these fortunes, it really all started because I wanted it more than anything.

From sleepless nights finishing pieces (I have three children and a part time job) to researching materials, from managing social media to experimenting.

I threw myself into the game headfirst and put myself in the spot light, a person who was never one for showing off.

I wanted to do it to give myself a chance, because I strongly believe in what I’m doing, to be myself in front of my children and my husband, and because I don’t want to regret not having tried.

This is the message that I would like to inspire in other women: if you strongly believe in something, try it with all of your heart, soul and body.