On Halloween, children revel in the traditions of 'trick-or-treating,' delighting in sweets and costumes—the latter sometimes blurring the line with Brazil's Carnival, often with a darker twist. For parents, it’s a delicate balance between indulging in the fun and moderating things like sugar intake while watching their children enjoy the festive season.
Beyond the joy of seeing kids happy, I sincerely appreciate the creativity that Halloween inspires, especially in the costumes. Since I haven't yet mastered the sewing machine, I turn to Maria, a seasoned seamstress, to bring our ideas to life—now with my daughter, who enthusiastically contributes her costume ideas.
I've known Maria since I was half my daughter's age. My earliest memories trace back to the end of kindergarten. Since my daughter was two (now ten), we've visited Maria at least three times annually, collaborating on ideas for Carnival, Festa Junina (a traditional June Brazilian party), and Halloween costumes.
Our visits are highly anticipated, not only for the garments but also because of the bond and friendship we've built over the years. I'm always inspired by participating in the creative process of costume-making. As an architecture and urban planning graduate, I find great fulfillment in transforming ideas into tangible realities, addressing and observing every detail to bring these concepts to life.
Maria's atelier reflects her decades in the craft— she operates basically as she always has. Her tools remain almost the same: her old sewing machine, a dedicated cutting table, wardrobes full of buttons, pins, and thread, a coat hanger, and an old magnet for pins (the children's favorite). She doesn't use WhatsApp or cell phone and prefers handwritten notes to record her clients' measurements in a notebook. Watching this timeless process is a reminder of the beauty in handmade artistry, an increasingly rare craft in today's fast-paced world.
The landscape of fashion has changed dramatically. Made-to-order clothing is less common now, with many people opting for ready-to-wear for convenience. Small ateliers have diminished, and fabric stores, once abundant, have diversified their products to survive. Industrialization and technology have reduced the demand for manual work, and robotization will likely accelerate this trend.
Relying on Maria's expertise feels like a privilege. I often wonder what motivates her to continue when she could have easily retired. Yet, the excitement in her eyes when we arrive, particularly with fresh costume ideas for my daughter, speaks volumes. Her passion is palpable, and she lights up as she crafts each piece, sharing past accomplishments with her clients and eagerly looking forward to the next design.
While we may not all work with fabric and thread, Maria's core approach resonates across fields, reminding us of the power of creativity and problem-solving in all professions. Each project, no matter how small, offers us an opportunity to think imaginatively, overcome challenges, and fuel a sense of purpose in our work.
Perhaps there's no single answer to why Maria and others like her stay engaged in their craft, but I believe passion is at the core. When we are passionate about our work—mainly when it brings value to others—it fuels us with energy and inspiration, making time seem to stand still. As professionals, we can ask ourselves: where does our passion lie, and how can it bring more significant impact and meaning to our actions? This is the timeless, irreplaceable human spirit that no technology can ever truly capture or replicate.
#Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #ProfessionalDevelopment #PassionForWork #Projects #CareerGrowth #BusinessTransformation
(image generated with Dall-E)
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