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

Hi Maria, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since I was little I always liked crafts, at school, I always excelled in art classes and I took this passion to my life! Papers are my great passion, I am delighted with how a piece of paper can turn into such beautiful things!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The biggest obstacle I see today is industrialization and commercialization. You can buy everything ready-made, therefore hand-crafted products and creativity are no longer valued or viewed as works of art. These are the difficulties that I encounter every day, but I have a deep love and passion for what I do so I keep going and continue to challenge myself. I am an artisan and can create almost anything you imagine or request. When I am not working for someone’s birthday, wedding, cocktail party or other event, I make home décor for my own home, or as gifts for family and friends. Every day I look for something new to create or for a new challenge as you can see on my Instagram page…. I try to post everything I do there. My real passion, however, is the process. I enjoy breathing life into each celebration or special event by using a lot of color, textures and creativity, trying to make each original and special at the same time. One of the things I love the most is honoring each guest with a special party favor that they can take home and enjoy personally.

Each piece I make is completely done by hand. The materials are individually selected, hand-cut, processed using various punches, die cuts and embossing machines. Then each piece is assembled with great care and attention to detail. When a person gets something from me, they can be sure that they are receiving a work of art that is filled with dedication, love and good energy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course, first of all, I always had the support and encouragement of my family, who know the love I have for handmade work. My clients, who like and trust my work.

Instagram: @sweetsurpriseatlanta

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