In November of 2023, almost a year after launching Araiá Paradis, we finally stepped into something we had only dreamed about — our very first pop-up shop. We were just two fresh university graduates with a shared vision and a whole lot of nerves and excitement, preparing to introduce our debut collection, Joie De Vivre, to the world.
Finding the right location felt impossible at first. Every place we viewed felt off, too big, too lifeless, too impractical, or simply not “us.” We wanted a space that we could shape into a reflection of our story: something intimate, warm, and full of heart. Then, one evening after work, we checked the listings one last time, and to our surprise, a new space appeared. It was exactly what we had been searching for: cozy and inviting, tucked away in the heart of Fitzrovia. We were thrilled. We immediately called and booked a viewing for the next day, and by the end of the tour, we had secured the spot.
The following weeks were a whirlwind of gathering décor, reaching out to suppliers, and making final preparations. It was chaotic, but it paid off. Despite the stress and sleepless nights, there was a spark of excitement that kept us going, knowing that soon we would finally have a space of our own.