Where it all began - Part 1
Brazilarte was born in 2012. There was no plan, but there was a desire to create something wonderful that would create a platform to share our passion with the world.
At the beginning of 2012 things were not looking rosy. Biscuim was self-employed and it was ticking over but certainly wasn’t enough to sustain our family. I had just walked out of a job that was causing a lot of stress and strain. When the chime at midnight rang welcoming us into 2012 we didn’t have a clue what we were going to do.
We were homeless and staying in my parents small flat. They were travelling, so we had a little time and space, but we still had no plan of what the future held. Zico was a year and a half and the thought of not having a stable home for him to grow in was a little scary. But what was the worst that could happen?
I threw myself into promoting Biscuim’s work and securing contracts. I also starting freelancing design work to make some pennies. We were still homeless. I was looking for work, but because I had gone from one job to the next all ending in the same way I was being cautious of what I would accept. Looking after Zico, freelancing and managing Biscuim’s work was full-time employment, I just wasn’t getting paid.
Before we knew it four months had passed and not much had changed. We were still on our feet and surviving, credit to our stubborn determination. Things by this time were really tight. I had no option, or so I thought, but to accept any work that came along. That was until a chance conversation with our dear friend Paul. Paul is a brilliant entrepreneur, he’s fearless, independent and he was our Capoeira student. He was travelling at the time of our conversation. It went something like this:
P: “Well what do you really want to do?”
E: “I want to share the experiences and energy that capoeira has gifted to me with others. I want to share a different approach to fulfilment in life.”
P: “What’s stopping you?”
E: “I don’t have any money, I don’t know how to run a business. I don’t even know how to start a business?!?”
P: “Give me a name.”
E: “For what?”
P: “Your company.”
Insert a 10-minute pause while we had a think about what we could call ourselves.
E: “Brazilarte.”
P: “Great, I’m going to speak to my guy and get him to set up your company.”
E: “But I don’t have any money.”
P: “ It costs less than £50, leave it with me.”
A week later we received an email from Paul, attached were the documents stating that Brazilarte was registered as a business.
E: “But what do we do now?”
P: '“Go open a bank account and start making money!”
So that’s what we did. I remember our meeting with the bank manager. “So how much would you like to deposit in your account to get you started?”, “Oh, we don’t have any money yet.”
In that brief moment, in that short conversation, Brazilarte was born. Paul had given us the opportunity to start something that I don’t think we would have done alone. He also showed us trust and belief that we would follow it through and get it done. That we did.
Seven years have passed. We’ve achieved many things and we’ve also made many mistakes, but those mistakes have given us the ability to learn, grow and develop. It still feels fresh, it still feels like the beginning of something and we still want to share it all with you.
Our mission is the same, through martial arts, music, art and dance, we would like to show you a different approach to living. A colourful and optimistic way, regardless of where you are in your life’s journey.
We’ll share more about our journey, the victories and the mistakes.
One lesson to learn from our very beginning is that at any moment things can change. They can get better, you can go further, you can push harder, even when there is no script or plan. Trust in your passion and what you love and the light will shine for you. It’s going to take hard work and dedication but it’s there if you want it.
Watch out for part 2…
Sininha
