Annika Väyrynen may not be a Portuguese gem, but is inspired by the natural beauty of the island of Madeira to make jewelry. A choice that results from his passion for flowers and everything that surrounds it, a trip to the pearl of the Atlantic.
How does a citizen from Finland ends up in Madeira?
I was working at a travel agency in Finland and made study trips to sell the best destinations. I came to Madeira and liked very much, indeed the entire Portugal in general. Then when my professional and personal life has reached a certain point, I decided to live in a warmer country and then I liked how it came here.
When does appears the idea to make jewelry inspired by the island?
As I worked with the Madera tourism stands were always filled with flowers, and still puts them to sell the island as a tourist destination. And I always enjoyed it. So I took a course here for women entrepreneurs, I was the only foreigner in the group, but was allowed. And this was my business project, mine was selling jewelry made with this kind of materials related to the nature of Madeira.
And the rolling stones and lava?
The island is volcanic and originally did not have precious stones, everything is imported. All we have is basalt and lava. What we do is mix with other stones. The result is in sight. Are we doing here parts. For example, earrings, bracelets and necklaces are handmade, the pieces with silver ordered the goldsmith in Portugal, or in Switzerland.
The idea for these pieces?
The flowers were the first. But after a time many customers ask me to do more pieces, that I decided to expand. The original project was only the flowers and local crafts. People here sell embroidery and such things, but there's plenty of that, I decided to specialize in this particulary part, the jewelry, that is innovative.
There is much demand for what I see ...
Yes, right now I have many clients, but everything is seasonal. When there is more tourists there's more bussines when we are in the low season, just like all businesses we sell less. I do a lot of publicity. The customer who comes in here already know, already has this information, what they want.
