Six “leading women who dare to innovate” inspired other professional women during an event at the Hilton Vilamoura on November 8. Organised by Women & Success, the “Conference for Creativity, Innovation and Success” was aimed at businesswomen in the region who wanted to connect with other professional women and share experiences.
Projects presented by the keyspeakers on the day were examples of how natural resources from Portugal can be used in a creative and innovative way.
Isabel Santos, interior designer at Ecolar, transformed the conference room and foyer into a cosy living room-like atmosphere, using her own products as well as other from 11Gourmet, Redilamp and Projecto Tasa.
Andreia Pintassilgo and Sara Fernandes, graphic designer and director of sales and marketing, respectively, at the Tasa Project based in Loulé, emphasised how design and innovation, hand in hand with local craftsmanship, can generate a project with a wide social impact, spanning from the Alentejo through to the Algarve and Andalucía.
Katya Bauval, Vila Vita’s director of sales and marketing, explained how the most traditional and authentic resources and sceneries of the Algarve can generate new business opportunities for the resort in the low season.
Manuela Sabino, founder of the trademark Amour Gourmet and shop manager of 11Gourmet, emphasised how the search for the best products with a true care for the image can create a distinctive brand.
Anabela Polido Macieira, architect and owner of Zen Architecture, explained how she transformed her motivation into a company, an association focused on creating sustainable houses in the Algarve and an award-winning housing solution.
Attendees rated the event as “excellent” and said they felt “inspired and motivated to innovate their life and work”.
The Women & Success initiative was started by Ria van Doorn in 2012. Together with a group of inspiring women she organises workshops, meetings and events to stimulate other women to unleash their potential, enabling them to reach out and exceed their goals.
To join the group, find Women and Success on Facebook or visit www.riavandoorn.com
Photo: From left: Katya Bauval, Andreia Pintassilgo, Ivone Manuela Sousa, Anabela Polido Macieira, Ria van Doorn, Manuela Sabino and Sara Fernandes
Photo by: Tania Farias
