The sixth edition of Mumit Talks features Cristina Velasco, one of the founders of the creative studio Anaquiños de Papel. A lawyer by profession and passionate about design and craftsmanship, she left her career aside to dedicate herself to her true calling: origami. In this new episode, we discover her story, her fascination with the world of paper folding, and her more personal side.
What made you leave everything behind and start your own business?
It all happened quite by chance. My sister Bea, who is an architect, discovered origami while looking for new structures and started making figures that were very popular. Consequently, in 2012, she opened a blog called Anaquiños de Papel (anaquiños is a Galician word meaning 'little pieces'). I started practicing origami because I saw her super focused and relaxed, which fascinated me, and in 2014, I decided to leave law to dedicate myself solely to this.
Logically, starting always terrifies you. I was very scared, but we were already receiving orders from important companies, and we decided to bet on our passion.
What inspires you when creating or offering new products? What is your creative process like?
I love walking, listening to music, the sea... everything inspires me greatly. Of course, fashion is also a great source of inspiration. I create all my pieces on demand, so the creative process begins with an order. First, I have to see if what they want is feasible to execute. If so, I find the right paper and develop a prototype. Many times, several prototypes need to be made before reaching the final piece. This moment of putting my creativity to work to materialize my client's idea is my favorite, and of course, also seeing their reaction when they see the finished piece.
Starting from scratch is complicated, especially in a sector like yours. Have you felt supported all along, or have you fought for your dream against the odds? Currently, how many people are part of your team?
I've been incredibly lucky to always feel super supported by my family and friends, which is fundamental for me. For now, the team is just my sister Bea and me.
Do you believe Spain is a country that supports entrepreneurs?
The truth is, no, entrepreneurship in Spain is a high-risk sport... You always feel scared, and now that I'm a mother and self-employed, even more so.
I was a lawyer and decided to quit in 2014. I started receiving orders from important companies and bet on my passion, origami.
cristina velasco | anaquiños de papel
Do you think social media has been a key channel for boosting your business?
In our case, they have been very important. My work is very visual; my social media is my storefront to the world, and thanks to it, I've been able to reach many profiles that would have been very difficult to access otherwise. To say something negative, I think today they have become very superficial, very studied... I liked them more at the beginning when everything was much more natural.
What do you think about making your hobby your job? What advice would you give to anyone considering entrepreneurship?
For me, it's something super special; the problem is that now I have to find other hobbies! I would tell them to value their time immensely and to do the math—it's tough, but you have to be realistic about the work.
How do you think jewelry and your work can be related?
It's the perfect complement; a paper prop is great to accompany jewelry in a photo shoot. Both are purely handmade and artistic work.
What has been your most special personal commission to date?
I would say some custom-made paper headpieces for a Vogue Novias shoot. Also, the paper garment work we did for Little Creative Factory, which was featured at 080 Barcelona Fashion Week. We have also created props for Mr. Wonderful's planners, some workshops for Loewe... there have been many, and we have a very special memory of each one.
How would you describe your clients? What do they look for in your work?
They are brands that seek craftsmanship, originality, and exclusivity.
Which women inspire you?
My friends, my mother. The women around me and whom I live with. Hardworking, positive, resilient women, mothers, friends, colleagues... they inspire me every day.
A life motto:
In life, you achieve more with a smile than with a frown. A smile is understood in all languages.
A song:
Turnedo by Iván Ferreiro.
A professional dream and a personal dream to fulfill:
Professionally: to have an exhibition with some of my most special pieces. Personally: to travel to Japan.
Where can we buy your works?
We only work by commission, that is, by order. You can do so through Instagram or through our website.
