From Education to Footwear

My journey into the footwear industry wasn’t a straight path—it was a story of curiosity, adaptation, and passion. With a background in Physical Education, I initially pursued a career that revolved around movement, performance, and the science behind human potential. However, life had a way of leading me into an entirely different, yet equally fascinating, industry: the world of footwear and fashion production.
The shift began when my husband, my mother, and I dreamed of creating our own footwear brand. We were driven by a shared passion for quality, craftsmanship, and the uniqueness of Portuguese shoemaking. However, turning an idea into a real product wasn’t as simple as we thought. We faced an industry that seemed designed for the big players, full of technical challenges, sourcing difficulties, and complex production processes.

Determined to bring our vision to life, I started searching for help, reaching out to professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers who could guide us. This search for knowledge soon became an obsession with understanding the entire process—from material sourcing to prototype development, from factory negotiations to final production. What started as a necessity quickly evolved into a passion, and I found myself immersed in the intricate world of footwear development and production management.

As I navigated this journey, I fell in love with the Portuguese footwear industry—its tradition, craftsmanship, and potential for innovation. I realized that many new brands and independent designers faced the same struggles I did when I first started. They had the creativity but lacked the technical knowledge and connections to bring their designs to life efficiently and sustainably.

This realization led me to Portugal Production, where I now play a crucial role in helping brands overcome these challenges. My mission is to bridge the gap between creative vision and industrial execution, ensuring that brands can produce high-quality footwear, optimize costs, and scale strategically.

Through years of experience, trial and error, and deep industry connections, I have built expertise in material sourcing, supplier selection, production management, and strategic brand growth. Today, I take pride in guiding brands through the complex yet rewarding process of bringing their footwear collections to market, ensuring that they not only create beautiful products but also build sustainable, scalable businesses.

The journey that started with a personal dream has now become my life’s work—empowering brands, optimizing production, and contributing to the continued growth of Portuguese footwear on a global stage.