Few people are as proud of their country and what they do as Diego Olivero, co-founder, and CEO of The Mayan Store, and that resonates in everything he does. His handmade homeware is all inspired in its culture; that’s why, after having a cup of coffee with him, we decided to give him the Maison Numen Q&A, and it’s a good thing we did!
Take a look at what he had to say below:
Where were you born?
Where do you live?
Guatemala.
What do you do for a living?
I am an interior designer and I design handmade homeware.
Why do you do that?
Guatemala is a beautiful country that has much to offer to the world. Particularly I think our duty as Guatemalans is to contribute to the development of our country from the position we are in and the talent or skills we have. Above all, I love my country and its creative hands.
I think I have a passion for the ancient practices of my country and for the creative hands that give us products of indescribable beauty.
What was the first piece you felt proud of?
My first beaded cushion.
What is the most encouraging thing somebody has told you about your work?
I’m really making a difference in my country, many people say they are working for the development of Guatemala, but we at The Mayan Store are really making a difference.
You know you finish a piece when: I see it in the place where it belongs.
The ultimate artist is: Darío Escobar.
The artist you admire the most: Lucía Rohrman.
Most recent inspiration source: The market.
How do you keep your things organized?
I’ll let you know when I find out.
Digital or paper?
Paper.
What do you believe in?
In doing good.
Colors or shapes?
Both.
The place where you always want to go back:
Atitlán Lake.
What is your favorite object created by man?
The light bulb.
How did you learn your trade?
Devoting many hours to studying and working hard.
What does being an industrial designer mean to you?
It is my way of life, of materializing my ideas, my dreams, and my culture. Through designs you can represent the greatness that Guatemala has with a modern touch, creating handmade homeware that is really useful for people and makes a difference to every house they arrive.
What inspires you to create your pieces?
My culture.
Your dream piece. If you had all the resources to create it, what would it be?
A museum.
A must-have item in your home: Art.
An amulet or good luck charm? The number 11.
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