We recently had the chance to connect with Francesca Popescu Ife and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Francesca , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently moved to Miami and started retaking tennis lessons. I used to play competitively years ago, and it’s been such a joy to get back on the court. There’s something really energizing about rediscovering a passion from the past and making it part of my routine again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Francesca Popescu Ife, and I’m the founder of FPI Art Initiative, an art advisory firm that works with private and commercial clients to build thoughtful collections of emerging and mid-career artists. I founded FPI Art Initiative four years ago with the goal of creating a platform for collectors to engage with the artists shaping today’s contemporary landscape, while also championing voices from regions that remain underrepresented in the Western market.
In addition to fine art, FPI also presents collectible design, reflecting my belief that art, sculpture, and design are all interconnected forms of creative expression. When developing my advisory practice, I wanted to emphasize how these disciplines, when brought together, can transform a space—adding layers of meaning and creating a dialogue and sensory experience for the viewer.
At FPI, we aim to foster cross-cultural exchange and support artists and designers whose practices push the boundaries of material, concept, and form. Our projects range from private collection development to curated exhibitions and collaborations that bring together artists, collectors, and institutions in new and inspiring ways.
I’m currently excited about my upcoming presentation at SCOPE Art Fair in Miami, presented in collaboration with a gallery and an independent artist. This project embodies FPI’s mission to highlight dynamic, cross-disciplinary voices and create meaningful connections between artists and audiences.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother has been my greatest inspiration and the person who taught me the most about work — not just in terms of discipline and determination, but also with grace and integrity. She was raised in Communist Romania and defected to the United States in the early 1980s in search of freedom and the opportunity to build the life she dreamed of.
A physicist by training, she went on to become one of the first female engineers hired at Nikon — a true trailblazer in her field and deeply respected by her peers. She was a Renaissance woman in every sense: endlessly curious, wise, and able to engage in conversation about almost any topic.
We traveled the world together, and she instilled in me a love for art and culture, often collecting works from local artists and craftspeople wherever we went. She always encouraged me to pursue my passions and supported me unconditionally as I discovered my own path. I feel incredibly blessed to have had a mother like her — her courage, intellect, and spirit continue to inspire everything I do.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Life is full of ups and downs — moments of doubt, disappointment, and loss that we all inevitably face. While success is rewarding, it’s often through suffering that we truly grow. Difficult times test our resilience and force us to find strength from within. For me, it’s been in those darkest moments that I’ve learned the most about who I am and what I’m capable of.
It’s easy to give up when things fall apart, but pushing through challenges teaches you to show yourself more compassion, to value perseverance, and to appreciate the small joys that success alone can’t provide. Success can feel fleeting, but hardship brings perspective — it reminds you to slow down, reflect, and find gratitude in the simple things.
Ultimately, suffering has taught me that every setback holds a lesson and that light has a way of breaking through, even in the hardest times.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m deeply committed to — no matter how long it takes — is staying honest and true to who I am. I carry this principle into everything I do, both personally and professionally. Regardless of the pace of success or the challenges that arise along the way, I believe it’s essential to remain true to my vision, my values, and the people around me.
I grew up with the saying that honesty is the best policy, and it’s something that has guided me throughout my life. Staying grounded in truth and integrity not only builds trust but also keeps me aligned with my purpose, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
As a child, I dreamed of growing up to become a celebrated fashion designer — someone whose work and creativity left a visible mark on the world. While my goals have evolved over time, the heart of that dream remains the same. I hope to be remembered as a pioneering voice for artists, someone who helped preserve and expand the cultural and artistic heritage of my time. More than anything, I want people to say that I was a good person — someone who inspired others to believe in themselves, to pursue their dreams, and to create fearlessly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fpiart.com
- Instagram: @fpi.art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-popescu/
Image Credits
Images 1-5 are taken by Sofia Belhouari.
The candlelight image was taken by me.
