Life & Work with Silvia Siqueira of Apex

Today we’d like to introduce you to Silvia Siqueira.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We are humans, natural beings. The connection between the environment and the real world is printed on the DNA. We are also social, community people. Plus, creative, imaginative, and logical at the same time. The caretakers of creation and others, explorers with an artistic eye, or artists who explore. This was in me. Therefore, when searching for natural options for my family, the products we consume were at the top of my list. It was not only a logical conclusion; we have allergies at home, and due to a sensible body system, I have always cared about eating as fresh as possible and avoiding a high percentage of ultra-processed foods. Body care and cleansing were an issue, too.
NatIdeas was born out of this natural search. It combines the idea of developing more natural body care and cleansing products with a touch of creativity and art. Science was not in the basket at first, but it has always been in the background. I have been a researcher and a professor for several years, which means having scientific skills naturally emerging sometimes. Therefore, I was soon studying raw materials’ properties, how these affect each other, and their chemo-physical characteristics, all through the lens of the methodic way of thinking, troubleshooting, and developing processes with the best practices. What was supposed to be only a handcraft family thing became attractive to friends and relatives, who were gifted by our products, and whose kind words have encouraged me to move these simple natural rustic ideas to the next phase.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Creating a startup can be exciting and challenging but difficult at the same time. It relies on allowing the idea, once protected by the shell, to crack, hatch, and go outside. It is a consequence of what has been explored, experimented, and studied for a while, especially if feedback from people on products tells you so! There is a long way to the development of a business, but it can be so much involving and so much fun, too! Of course, there are problems sometimes, but I have always seen these as rocks on the way to be deviated or smoothed, not walls. Therefore, I have seen these ideas blooming, and it is lovely to nurse them.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a multi-task person, which means I do not rest for a long time without doing something or having a new idea in my imagination, which soon puts me into action. I love writing, I love reading, I love music. I love a good conversation. I love nature and gardening, and I can’t work without a good view of trees, bushes, and flowers through a nearby window. I love pictures. I love coming outside, even if for seconds, to feel the wind and stare at the sky. I love family and caring; I love working on things that can add to people: payback is a consequence. I learned it as a kid from my dad. I love to create; I love creation. I love to see how good things are in others, even if they do not see in them. I hope always, even when it seems there is no hope. I have faith.
I love being careful with the details as long as I do not lose sight of the general picture. The whole cannot be substituted by parts, although parts can be essential to the whole. This is true for everything.
I have been so blessed in my career, as in my family, working in multiple interdisciplinary teams, leading people with different backgrounds around my research area, always thinking of the best for a patient, always being helpful to each other, teaching about being competitive to yourself and excelling in what you are the best, respecting others because everyone is special in something that only belongs to them.
Life is challenging; sometimes, it is suffering; but always worthy.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
NatIdeas was born out of caring. The products were thought for different tastes and specific needs, according to the unique combinations of properties in each. I can see it growing in different directions for the next 5 to 10 years, as long as it maintains its personality as a brand of natural care with a sophisticated artistic-rustic simplicity in it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.handmadenatideas.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/handmade.natideas/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565528884770