Alejandra Lorenzo is an architect by profession. She was born in Cuba but has lived in the United States since she was a child. She’s a woman who puts passion into everything she does, whether it is her career or her hobby: wood and resin crafts.
We got in contact with Alejandra after discovering her Instagram account, where she promotes her creations: home decor items made with the combination of different materials and techniques. She makes them in her free time, shared between motherhood and her professional work.
“I’ve always liked arts and crafts. Ever since I was a child, I have always had a ‘project’ in mind. As I have acquired knowledge about new materials, techniques and so on, I have begun experimenting with them,” she explains.
She says she started out in this business, which she called ALF Designs, almost by accident in February 2021.
“I was always getting a lot of compliments and the usual comment of ‘you should get into selling this.’ So one day I posted various items online to sell, and to my surprise, I received several orders. I started selling a little more and more each week, until I realized that I definitely had to make a business out of it.”
Alejandra’s island roots are alive and well, even though she hasn’t lived in Cuba for many years. Perhaps that’s why she chose the sea as the inspiration for her designs. Wood and epoxy resin intermingle organically in her work. It’s like bringing a little piece of water and sand to a corner of your home, whether it be in clocks, kitchen utensils, or other objects.
“When I learned about this technique, it really caught my attention and I started experimenting with it. It involves an interplay of proportions, materials and temperature. It took me many hours of trial and error to get it right.”
“The first thing I made was a clock, and it was purchased the day after I put it on sale. Little by little I continued to make other items.”
This young architect notes that although she does not see herself opening a physical store, she would like her business to grow.
“I see myself expanding in sales volume and product variety. The online marketplace and distribution system in the United States allows me to reach any corner of the country remotely. That’s a great advantage.”
