Meet Daniela Portugal | Artisan & Jewelry Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniela Portugal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After my husband finished his military contract, we made a big move to Texas. Being new here was exciting and daunting because we had uproot our selfs and embrace the new possibilities for our next chapter. Through those changes, I found myself changing to and began reflecting for what I truly wanted for life. I realized I didn’t want to go back to traditional work that left me unfulfilled. Creating has always brought me joy. Choosing it to be more than a hobby, to make it my passion and purpose for my life was the best decision I ever made. Pouring my energy into building a business that reflects that becomes more than a milestone, its way of life that I truly cherish and want to continue for myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is about cherishing little pieces of nature and telling stories through handmade jewelry. I work with dried pressed flowers and create realistic mini book charms using paper and resin. It’s really a blend of my love for nature and books. Each piece is meant to feel personal. Whether it’s a flower that holds a special meaning or a favorite book made into wearable art.

I take great pride of my mini book jewelry and accessories. I’m all about details and realism when it comes to these charms; so I hand cut, bind together paper, and give these books a full cover spread. What started as a creative challenge quickly became a huge part of my business identity that I love. Being asked by authors to create custom pieces still blows my mind and it brings so much joy when people notice the attention to detail I pour in my pieces.

It hasn’t been an easy journey building a business from the ground up but it never occurred to me that I couldn’t do it. I held expectations for myself and dreamed big. Running a handmade business required me to wear many hats. I had to learn website design, production techniques, safety practices using resin, marketing and how to set up for markets. I have a huge desire to learn and leaned on that trait to stay motivated.

There were moments where I struggled to value my work but the only way I overcome those moments is to keep going, to keep creating and being curious. Custom work reminded me of the positive impact my jewelry has for others and kept me motivated. But my biggest challenge for me was finding a work and life balance.

After finishing an incredible market and wrapping up a full year of running this little business, I felt proud, but also so tired. I have been pouring my heart into my work nonstop and as a creative, the last thing we want to face is burnt out. I believe it’s important to avoid that hurdle by taking more breaks and not feel guilty about it.

If there is one thing I hope people know about me and my brand is that every piece is made with a never ending curiosity to make meaningful pieces that connect people to memories, nature, and share the stories they care about.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d make sure every day felt like a little adventure.
We’d start out week in Houston with the stunning Waterwall and the colorful Cockrell Butterfly Center. After wandering among the butterflies, we’d treat ourselves to an amazing meal at Fung’s Kitchen

Day two would take us to Conroe for a cozy, small-town vibe. We’d start with coffee and breakfast at Ruah Café, then head downtown to explore. I’d take them to Get Fictional to smell candles inspired by our favorite books and browse titles by local authors. Right next door, we’d stop at Efree’s on Main to taste the most delicious tea blends, handmade by the owner. We’d wrap up the afternoon at The Collective, checking out unique pieces from local artisans.

On day three, we’d road trip to Huntsville. First stop: breakfast at City Hall Café, a true diner gem. Then it’s time for some treasure hunting at Bluebonnet Square Antiques because who doesn’t love digging for one-of-a-kind finds?

Day four would be all about getting outside. We’d go on a trail through Sam Houston State Forest, enjoy a laid-back lunch at Five Loaves Deli, and then cool off with a dip at the stunning Blue Lagoon.

For the last day, we’d spend the last day at Aggieland Safari, feeding and getting up close with incredible animals. I find places that are adventurous, memorable, and full of fun stories to take home the best place to go with a best friend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I owe so much to Reader’s Night. It is because of the amazing community of vendors, local authors, and the organizer of this market truly shaped the success of my business. Before joining, I was mainly making whimsical jewelry using real pressed flowers, that was my main focus at the time. Then one day, I got invited to join this new bookish market, held the first Friday of every month in downtown Conroe, and it completely changed things for me.

Being surrounded by authors and readers really sparked something, I began reading again and start experimenting with pieces that would resonate with book lovers. That’s when my mini book jewelry collection was born and the response from the Reader’s Night community blew me away! Authors started reaching out, asking if I could turn their own book cover into tiny wearable art, and vendors wanted to featured my pieces in their stores.

It was such a surreal and incredible feeling for me. Reader’s Night didn’t just open a door, it truly shaped the direction of my business, reminded me how powerful a community can be, and pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined.

Website: https://www.FloraArtistry.Store

Instagram: @Floraa.artistry

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