The Story
Let me take you on a captivating journey as I introduce myself, Lilliam, the founder of Tropico Studio. As a Dominican immigrant residing in the sun-kissed landscapes of California, I embarked on this entrepreneurial endeavor amidst the challenging times of a global pandemic. The seed of this dream had been planted within me for a long time, and before taking the leap, I dedicated ample time to studying and understanding exactly what I wanted to create and, more importantly, why.
From the very inception of Tropico Studio, my vision has always been to craft pieces that hold immense value and carry compelling stories. Handmade craftsmanship holds a special place in my heart as it allows me to merge my love for creation with my deep-rooted passion for nature. Each item that I meticulously handcraft is intended to be a functional and visually stunning piece of art.
In my relentless pursuit of creating sustainable masterpieces, I embark on an exciting quest to explore and experiment with often overlooked materials. Repurposing construction waste like terracotta, wood dust, and metal dust fuels my passion to breathe new life into forgotten remnants. Additionally, I fearlessly venture into uncharted territories, delving into sustainability with mushrooms and biomaterials, pushing the boundaries of creativity and environmental consciousness.
Each experiment brings me closer to solutions that seamlessly merge sustainability, aesthetics, and practicality. The hidden potential within previously overlooked materials never ceases to amaze me. I transform them into sustainable marvels that captivate the senses and leave a positive impact on the environment.
Through these ventures, my aim is to inspire others to embrace the beauty of sustainable design and recognize the remarkable possibilities that lie within our grasp.
Join me as we explore the captivating world of Tropico Studio, born from the fusion of passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of creativity. Together, let us discover the beauty and inspiration that arises from embracing challenges and turning dreams into tangible works of art.
Let’s get More Personal
Lilliam, originally from the Dominican Republic, was raised there before relocating to California to join John, who is now her husband and co-owner of Tropico. Throughout her life, she developed a strong inclination to follow her instincts and nurture her curiosity, which she believes played a pivotal role in her extensive exposure to various art forms. Beginning her career as an architect, she spent several years working as a project designer for tourist developments before transitioning to interior design. In this new role, she focused on designing contemporary wooden furniture for residential projects.
Moreover, Lilliam delved into the makeup industry, specializing in special effects and body painting. This diverse background in architecture, furniture design, and special effects makeup served as a solid foundation for her current venture, Tropico Studio. Her experience in architectural design provided her with a keen understanding of composition, shape, and scale management. Meanwhile, furniture design honed her ability to transform abstract concepts into tangible products. Finally, her expertise in special effects makeup equipped her with the skills to sculpt, create molds, and seamlessly transition from designing software to hands-on craftsmanship in a workshop setting.
