CHERUBINA & FRIENDS | DECORATION MADE WITH THE HEART
María del Castillo Arredondo, founder of La Mela, could be defined as a creative mind with an endless desire to design and create to share her love of decoration and the smallest details.
She studied tourism and later earned a master's degree in event planning, protocol, and tourism in Barcelona. After many years of working and traveling, she realized she wanted to start her own business and create something of her own. Thus, La Mela was born, a project inspired by what began as a hobby and has become her main professional endeavor, which, she says, would not have been possible without the unconditional support of her mother.
More and more people are looking to La Mela for those special, handmade household and decorative products to decorate their homes in the most beautiful way.
How did La Mela come about?
La Mela is a project that arose from the desire to create "something of my own," and after the long lockdown we were experiencing, I decided to take action.
Where does your love for crafts and decoration come from?
Crafts are something I'd really kept hidden, but after watching my mother create such beautiful things as a hobby , I wanted to learn it. However, when it comes to decorating, I'm really inspired by my sisters.
What was your greatest support when you started your business?
Without my mother and her hands, the La Mela project would not have been possible; she is a huge support.
But the help of my family and friends is also a great support, because starting a business is a path with many "curves" and through each one I have had my husband, my brothers, my in-laws, my brother-in-law, my father... I am VERY lucky for that.
What inspires you when making your designs?
I am a very observant and creative person, and I am inspired by many things: everything that brings joy, beauty, delicacy, nature, good people—all of this helps me reach and CREATE.
How would you define ''La Mela''?
La Mela is a homeware and home decor company, where we make most of our pieces by hand with great care and dedication to help people make their homes beautiful.
What is hidden behind the name ''La Mela''?
The name La Mela comes from one of the people I have loved most in my life, who is my grandmother Carmela, whom I think about every day of my life and whom her friends and family affectionately called Mela and who we jokingly call La Mela when we talk about her, because she was a unique woman.
Tell me three top La Mela products for summer tables.
- Turntables
- Snacks (appetizer boards)
- Glass fountains
Many thanks to María for sharing this time with Cherubina, and above all for showing us the work she does with such passion and love!
A new episode of Cherubina & Friends is coming soon, so stay tuned for more exciting and inspiring stories like Maria's.
