Her story of creativity called Fino Fino started in the beginning of 2013. Martina recalls: "It was born out of a mixture of a desire to create something unique, an effort to introduce something new in my life, maybe even to get away from the daily routine and gray period which hung over me at that time. Above all, to freely try and see what could become of what I had".

The story of cloud-shaped home decor, softly padded flags, fine heart brooches, bubbly headbands and frames with fine messages was born out of practically nothing. »It is a story that follows its own path and evokes such a fine feeling, that it reminds you of a child's playfulness, adding something new each time without planning to stop,« says our guest with a smile.

While arranging the interview you told me that the Fino Fino products are your "afternoon" or "evening" activity. What do you do when you are not creating "fine" products?
In a short period of time Fino Fino 'helped' me overcome the crisis while being unemployed. I then found a job within my professional field. I currently work as an aeronautical engineer in a small-sized company. I find time for Fino Fino after work, during weekends, and I admit that it can sometimes be very stressful to working on both ends. But I keep trying and good fairies help me on the way.

Ideas, seemingly incompatible ideas, were always swarming within me. For the time being, I cannot afford to live off my hobby alone, but this might change. I admire everyone who has managed to reach this state through their talents, ideas and effort. They inspire me. At the same time my job, which requires accuracy and consistency, makes me more tactful. I embody things in a concrete form more easily and have learned patience.

From your very beginnings there has always been the presence of clouds, however not dark clouds, but clouds which have been turned into pretty cushions, brooches… Where did the wind bring them from?
Everything happened in a very spontaneous manner. First came the unique headbands and then a myriad of home decor products, because I adore beautiful rooms with a touch of innovativeness and uniqueness. At the beginning my products were mostly meant to make children’s rooms and play corners more alive, but then came the “big children” which enjoy the company of soft maxi clouds while reading a book, or lounging on a couch watching movies.

I say for myself that I have »my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground«. It’s quite possible that the clouds represent my longing for freedom and lightness, to be carefree and to have warmth. I like clouds, even though they are cloudy, and there’s nothing wrong if they bring rain. Fino Fino clouds will always bring a smile to your face and a pleasant feeling.

Do you print the fabrics yourself? Do you maybe even design the patterns?
I haven't yet tried printing my own patterns, but I am enormously interested in it and tempted to do so. I would very much like to take a course in this field, possibly even abroad, but it is all connected to time. For now I find fabrics which suit me regarding quality and patterns in local fabric shops. I adore dots, stripes, minimalistic patterns as well as black and white colours.

You also sell your products in boutiques and art fairs. How can one compete against the big companies, while still preserving a good relationship between the quality and price of their products?
If I'm really honest, I don't try compete with large-scale production companies. That's the world of department stores and chain stores. The other world is made up of stands, boutiques, and little shops that sell unique handcrafted products from domestic or foreign independent artisans. Those two worlds exist one alongside the other and individuals decide which one to choose. Luckily people's consciousness is changing and lately we can see more people buying unique handicraft products from independent designers.

I say there is no gift more beautiful than a gift bought from the one that made it. With that you support his story, which very often has an interesting and inspiring background. When I have my potential customers in mind, I feel a responsibility. It is also true that we live in times in which we pay attention to every euro we spend, and are therefore often compelled to buy a cheaper product. And you cannot compete with those products. The price of your product includes all the material and work put into it, as well as the amount that has to be set aside for tax. These are not things that can make you rich, however if you like what you're doing, you often forget to do the math.

You also create frames with messages and greeting cards, as well as jewelry made out of wood…Which of your products have proven to be most successful?
I'm always surprised by the way people react to a certain product. It took some of my products a long time to grow on people, while the unique frames with messages and necklaces were an instant hit! People have recently also started buying bigger cloud-shaped cushions, 'flags' as we call them, as well as brooches in the shape of clouds and hearts. A lady gave me the idea for the heart-shaped brooches, as she wanted one just like that. If you're open you can learn a lot from people. For that I am grateful!

What are your Fino Fino plans or dreams for the future? Would you wish that it becomes your primary and only job, once "all the puzzles fall into place"?
At this point I just let my ideas run free. There probably isn't a person on this world, who wouldn't want to live independently only with his talent and work. Of course I would like all those 'creative puzzles to fall into place'. An important factor will also be for it to happen at the right moment. In the meantime I will continue on my path free of worries.

Is reviving you sleepy blog also among your plans?
It might happen, if I find the time in my daily routine to post something. I truly strongly wish and hope for it to happen. Every day is packed and it just freezes me when I notice how fast time flies.

What is success to you?
I wish more and more people would rely on their inner voice and listen to it. The most beautiful stories are born out of circumstances which force you to reach down inside yourself and ask yourself what do you actually have, without knowing where the path will lead you, after you have dared to “hope”. Again and again I'm taken over by creative and resourceful people, which have managed to create something out of nothing. People which are not affected by the apathy and pessimism all around us. Those are my 'everyday winners'. Those that try open up a new path in these uncertain times, which will eventually probably lead them to success. Each purchase of my product is a success, for which I am immensely grateful. That's fine happiness (laughter).