Paulo Valle

Migrant Entrepreneur supported by MourariUP.

My name is Paulo Valle, and I came from Brazil to Portugal in 2015 to visit my sister, initially planning to stay for just one year. However, I liked the country and adapted well, so I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Art History and settle in Lisbon. The main challenge I faced was in finding professional opportunities, but I managed to secure scholarships and even worked in the university library.

I am a visual artist with a background in Fine Arts. Back in Brazil, I worked with manual printing and clothing production. Today, I run a circular fashion business focused on upcycling and customizing garments. I create unique pieces, paint on fabric, restore clothing, and also teach art classes.

Through my work with ValleSilk, I aim to impact the community by promoting sustainable fashion. I purchase fabrics that would otherwise be discarded and repurpose old garments. My goal is to raise awareness about textile sustainability, as the textile industry is one of the most polluting. My experiences as a migrant are reflected in how I interact with people and manage my business, where I strive to create something meaningful beyond commercial value.

Currently, I work alone. I participate in markets and fairs where I sell my pieces and believe in organic growth driven by the quality of my work. My goal is to establish a studio that serves as a space for production, promotion, and sales, eventually creating new jobs to help scale my business, particularly in the digital space. Additionally, I intend to register my brand and professionalize my business.

Written by: Maria Inês Almeida.

Edited by: Ivan Bustillo.