Daniel

Daniel was born in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. "I began to working while still quite young. At 13 years of age, I became interested in leather work as I helped my father craft shoes. But at 18, I interrupted my work to enlist and serve in my country's army," he says. <br><br> "A year later, I moved to Rio de Janeiro in search of better opportunities. I enrolled in the Instituto Jesus, an institution that welcomed young apprentices, many of them orphans, and gave us opportunities. It was there that I met a colleague and married her. We chose not to have children. <br><br> "Here, too, I began learning leather arts, and my first step was cutting the leather. Eventually, I went to work in a shoe factory. <br><br> "I'm a religious man and am devoted to Our Lady of Fatima. I dedicate part of my free time to my father who is already a senior; I am his guardian. <br><br> "Around the age of 40, I was creating and producing my own designs ? belts and bags. Nothing was easy for me, but the challenges strengthen me. As we say, 'what comes easily also leaves easily.' <br><br> "There came a point when I was discouraged. Fortunately, a friend introduced me to FRANCAL/leather fashions in Sao Paulo, an important fashion fair for shoes and accessories. <br><br> "It was of enormous importance. It opened my mind for new ideas and woke in me the need to perfect my work more and more. I invested and I focused in the quality of my leather work, in the creation of designs and, consequently, my gradual growth and my acceptance in the market. I rely on my wife's support and collaboration as she takes care of our administrative and financial aspects. <br><br> "I have no doubts that I am on the right road and I give thanks to God that I never gave up the occupation I embraced as a boy. It has accompanied me for my whole life."