One of the best things that has come from creating LAMA has been the opportunities I have had to meet some extraordinarily sweet and talented people. It has been so fun and amazing to see that, although we grew up in very different places and don’t always speak the same language, a passion for good design is universal and the love for what we do goes without words. 

Emi Elias is the creator and owner of CouCou, one of my favorite shops in Buenos Aires, and someone who I feel proud to call my friend. Right off the bat, I felt like I had known her for years. It’s been a pleasure to work with her and get to know her better over the past year. I hope you will all feel the same way about Emi after you read this little interview we did together. (The original interview was conducted in Spanish. I hope I translated everything correctly!) *fingers crossed*

Where do you live?

In a home that I like very much in Vicente Lopez, Argentina with Santi, Domingo and Ignacio.

What is your favorite thing about the city you live in?

There are many places that I like but what I like the most is visiting new places in Buenos Aires. I love walking, driving or taking the bus through new neighborhoods. 

What do you love most about owning your own shop?

Getting to know people, making friends, receiving energy and love from those who visit and that the store can transform the way we live in our home.

What are the most difficult things you encounter being the owner of a small business?

Bringing a different point of view to what already exists and remaining faithful to what I like and what I want for CouCou.

Who are some artists and designers you admire?

Haruo Wada, Shinzi Katoh, Minä Perhonen, Saelee Oh, Lola Goldstein, Jimena Rios, Kit+Lili, Scandinavian design

What things inspire you?

Looking at designs from Scandinavia, Japan and Brazil. Sunny days make me very happy. On those days, I can create even more beautiful things. 

What are your favorite websites and blogs?

Bloesem and Bloesem Kids, Lena Corwin, Design is Mine, Creature Comforts, Krisatomic

What is your favorite local shop?

Sunrise, Castilllo, Pesqueira, CouCou!!

What musical artists are you listening to right now?

Hot Chip, Caribou, Koop, Jarvis

What is your most treasured belonging?

The love from Santi and the way he looks at me. The unconditional love from my parents. 

Gracias Emi! La mejor suerte del mundo! 

Click here to view Emi Elias products for LAMA

Tags: CouCou, Emi Elias, LAMA

Posted on Thursday, September 25th, 2008 at 5:39 pm / Category: People I Heart. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.