Barbara Mazzilli

MEET THE MAKER

I design and create by hand collections of desk and furnishing items in paper converting. The technique I use involves cutting thick recycled cardboard into pieces according to the project, of the type used for bookbinding work; the assembly of the pieces according to the project to be carried out with the use of specific contact adhesives; the coating of objects made with bookbinding cloths or pre-printed papers. The idea is to create collections of modern and functional objects dedicated to the Home Office, also beautiful as furnishing objects because they are elegant and cared for in detail, to be made unique and precious through the use of different decorative techniques.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE PART OF CRAFTING BUSINESS PROGRAMME?

Because the reference market is in a phase of profound transformation, technology offers new opportunities and I believe that staying updated on the progress of your professional sector is very important.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEEDBACKS?

Great. The course was very interesting and useful for getting to know the artistic crafts sector better, observing and evaluating my business with a more objective eye, focusing better on my weaknesses and finding new ideas to work on to improve it. This course helped me to define my business idea, born in a somewhat confused and improvised way as a form of self-employment at the age of 46 and without having had the opportunity to follow a professional retraining path dedicated to women my age. Now, thanks to the better understanding of my weaknesses and a greater awareness of my personal potential, I have a clearer strategic vision. I know where to start and how to start again.

FIVE THINGS YOU’LL BRING WITH YOU FROM THE EXPERIENCE:

• Understanding the concepts of Vision and Mission, as well as the Statement of Purpose;
• Internal and external corporate communication (with collaborators, suppliers, customers)
• The synergy between design and craftsmanship and the definition of craftsman-designer, in which I found myself and defined;
• The design strategy;
• The analysis of the artistic handicraft market. What is the B2B channel and how to deal with it compared to B2C.