Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Calvo.
Rafael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Karmatika started a little over 10 years ago, it began more as a passion project and quickly developed into something bigger. Designing furniture and creating have always been my true calling – since I was a young guy living in Argentina.
Throughout my 30-year career I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure to work with distinguished architects and interior designers and do custom pieces for private clients throughout New York, Miami and Buenos Aires. Once I gained the experienced and the knowledge how I decided it was time to stop bringing other people’s creation to life, and instead, work on my own.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being an entrepreneur and an artist most definitely has its challenges and its ups-and-downs. I think one of my biggest challenges is building a strong client base that appreciates the value of the materials and work that goes into my unique pieces. One of the cornerstones of my company is sustainability and creating pieces that are handcrafted, made locally in Miami using one of a kind materials. I feel that sometimes clients undervalue the materials because they misunderstand the specialty that is reclaimed wood.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Karmatika we design and handcraft one of a kind furniture pieces that almost blur the lines between furniture and art. Our specialty is wood pieces handcrafted out of reclaimed woods that have been salvaged and restored. We also mix other materials including acrylic and gold and silver leaf. Some of the things that set us apart from other furniture designers is our willingness to work with these types of reclaimed materials and our commitment to sustainability and to local manufacturing. We also offer custom services giving clients the ability to modify the works to fit their space, lifestyle and decor.
Another big difference is our willingness to push the boundaries and blur the line between furniture and art. We’ve actually collaborated with other local artists to create artwork tables that have been exhibited during Art Basel. We’re very proud of this especially as this is the main message we want to convey, that furniture should be timeless and beautiful and can add value to the home just as any artwork can.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very curious and creative. My father was a boat engineer and I would always admire his work – I could stare at his drawings for hours. I believe that’s where my passion for design originated from watching him create. Other than that I was your average kid, running around, playing with friends.
Contact Info:
- Address: 383 NE 69th Street
Miami, FL 33138 - Website: www.karmatika.com
- Phone: (646)283-4936
- Email: info@karmatika.com
- Instagram: byrafaelcalvo
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