Today, we can easily interact and learn from people from all corners of life. Through images or videos, their experiences inspire us. Interacting with other cultures like a local is something I definitely love, but there are times when connecting back to my origin, can nurture and inspire more than anything else in the world "out there" could. Finding your DNA manifested in the people and places you call home can often reactivate the juices of life.

Inspiration comes when I get away to an environment that allows me "be."

It's the lush, green landscapes of a place I call home that activate my sense of simple living. It might mean eating with my hands, getting my feet dirty or ending up with salty messy hair. It's when the pressure of perfection falls away. Free of frills and complexity is part of my approach when it comes to designing with leather. Leather is meant to get scratched and collect “life.” A bag will go through stages much like a tree will go through many stages of growth and with each year collect beauty through its age and experiences. Through my connection to nature and family, I keep my roots alive and it's not a coincidence that I've continued my grandfather's craftsmanship of leather.

Passion comes alive when the treasures of our heart are infused in the things we do, so I invite you to explore those elements that are inside you to transform them into inspired action.

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Recently, I planned a trip with my family far away from the city. We rented a small cottage in Uvita de Osa, Costa Rica and let the old rituals, stories and inside jokes re-surface. Even though the house was far away in the mountains, I’m sure those in back in San Jose could hear us laughing and dancing!

Inspiration blossoms from a sense of belonging.

It is much more easy to be authentic when we are in the comfort zone of family. You don’t have to impress your siblings, so you can turn off the part of your mind that's always strategizing, striving or scheming. A space surrounded by love, allows you to forget about the outside world and to be in the moment.

I found mom doing her embroidery, dad telling the same old stories that would make us laugh...

Having the family together at the table brings me joy and the presence of the natural colors is something that manifests in my designs.

It’s in the simple but cherished moments, where I find what moves me forward. Inside our hearts is where inspiration resides.

So if you're ever feeling stuck, or need a little perspective...just go and dig in! Whether it's with your family, a place, a craft, music, food or talking to an old neighbor… put time towards something that can re-connect you with where you belong. Explore a favorite childhood activity or make that old recipe you inherited from your grandma. Visit an authentic spot in your city, out of the noise and away from touristy areas will also do.

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Sofia Protti, Costa Rica Designer - Contributor
Entreprenuer, blogger and owner of the Cueropapel&tijera brand since 2008, is dedicated to the development of leather products that are loaded with passion and cultural flavor, with a high demand on quality. She designs as a means of self-expression that stems from her beliefs. Her work is dedicated to the memory of her grandfather and to the beauty and sentimental value of personal belongings. (Photos provided by Sofia)

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