◆ What inspired you to create Market Stylista, and how did the project first take shape?

I used to have a blog called Stylista (hence the market’s name) for style and shopping tips, trend forecasts, etc. Back then (2010ish), a bunch of Portuguese brands and creative small businesses started popping up, and this was really refreshing because there weren’t many small businesses – created by young locals – before that. I felt really inspired by the brands and the people behind these businesses, and we decided to get together somewhere just to hang out, call friends, show these projects IRL (some existed mostly on Facebook), and I also invited via blog, my Stylista followers. 

The first event – Summer Market – was in 2013 in Sintra, and we were really surprised by how many people showed up! We had no idea so many people were eager to get to know these brands and projects, which were so much more interesting than mainstream shops. The first event had about 20 brands, as did the next (Winter Market, also in Sintra). After that, in 2014, I realised we needed a bigger area, and decided to ask Cascais if the city council could rent me the FIARTIL – a beautiful outdoor venue - back then only used for Feira do Artesanato do Estoril. 

My first Market in FIARTIL was May 2014' Summer Market, and even though I’ve organised quite a few markets in Lisbon (mostly the Winter editions), after Covid, I decided that I would love to stay in Estoril through all seasons. It was also after COVID that the Spring and Fall editions were added to the agenda. This gave me time and space to present more brands and to bring people together more often. 

◆ How do you curate the mix of brands and designers we find at each edition?

I do a lot of research, and I’m also lucky enough to have a lot of amazing brands finding me. The brand selection for each event is made by me, considering the season, and also my personal take on product quality and design. Other than that, I also consider diversity in categories and styles in order to try to cater to all audiences, considering our audience range is very broad.

◆ What’s the biggest evolution you’ve seen since the very first Market Stylista?

We are pretty grown up now! :)

The event experience is far more organised and professional. I used to do it all by myself, and now I have a great team (in design, photography, and production) that just makes everything a million times better. I’ve also learned a lot over the past 12 years, and this has given me room to grow and to innovate. Some ideas have been good, some have not, and in the process, I think the events have gained a lot, quality-wise. I also feel the brands are so much better, wiser, and stronger. I feel so proud to see all the ways in which all of us have grown. It’s been a very inspiring journey for sure!

◆ Stylista has become much more than a market, it’s a community. What do you think makes it so special?

The feeling of getting together – personally or professionally – and taking something with you from that – a good experience, some great advice, a happy feeling, a good discovery, or some inspiration - is really special and, for sure, the reason that makes me do what I do.

From a visitor's perspective, I think it’s great to have a place to get together, to see friends and family, to be inspired by the work of others, to be proud of our creative landscape, to listen to music and have a drink, grab some food, be happy, and breathe fresh air. It’s a plan that doesn’t require much planning. You can just go, even by yourself, and have a nice time. 

From the brands' perspective, I feel it’s a nice place to exchange ideas and to feel like a part of something. A creative community. A place where you can learn from others who are also going through the same struggles – and celebrations! – in their businesses. I’ve realised it’s also a place where a lot of collaborations and opportunities pop up, just by sharing work and stories.