Paradise

Migrant Entrepreneur supported by MourariUP.

My name is Paradise, and I am from Palestine. My story is complex: I can say that I didn’t choose to come to Portugal; it was God’s will that brought me here. I was living in Dubai when I was forced to find another country due to changes in immigration laws. That’s when a family friend, with whom I had previously worked on social projects, invited me to live and work in Portugal. Although my arrival was planned and organized, the initial shock was significant, especially regarding interpersonal communication. I felt that here, promises were not always followed by actions, and it was challenging to adapt at first. Over time, I found beauty in the country, its nature, and its people.

I grew up in a family facing many difficulties... I was separated from them and lived alone for seven years... I had to become resilient. I am no longer the person I once was. OrphicHerz, the project I created—focused on art and sustainability—is a reflection of my experiences and everything I’ve learned in life. In Lisbon and Braga, I created spaces that blend art, recycling, healthy cooking, culture, and fun, always aiming to teach people to live more consciously. I transform recycled materials, which others might consider useless, into art pieces, furniture, toys, and other functional objects, to show that we can solve everyday problems creatively without relying on excessive consumption. The project’s goal is not just to showcase my art but also to present a new perspective on daily life. More than just a job, it is the realization of my philosophy of life: promoting a healthy and conscious lifestyle that respects the planet through creative and sustainable solutions.

My greatest challenge has been finding a permanent space where I can develop my project. Unfortunately, I feel that the kind of creative work I do is still not widely recognized and valued, which creates many obstacles. However, despite all the financial difficulties and lack of support, my passion for the project gives me the motivation and strength to keep going. Even without a permanent space, I participate in fairs and share my creations. I believe my work is “saving lives,” as one teacher told me upon learning about my project, which combines sustainability and health—essentials for everyone’s life. That is what drives me because, at the end of the day, the most important thing for me is the impact the project can have on people’s lives, even if not everyone understands or values it at first.

In the future, I want to open a multifunctional physical space where I can showcase my art and teach about sustainability and health. I want to create an environment where everyone can learn to be more creative and make the most of the resources available around them. Over time, I hope my work will be more appreciated and that more people will join in building a more creative and sustainable world.

Written by: Maria Inês Almeida.

Edited by: Ivan Bustillo.