Rasta Chic : Stylish Wood Furniture Brought to Life through Passion

He left his job and turned his passion into his livelihood. Alberto Francois, a self-made entrepreneur, launched his company Rasta Chic in 2015, which is specialised in wood furniture. The wood sculptor shares with us his story.

Many of us believe that it is hard and impossible to turn a passion into a livelihood. However, there are some people who can prove us wrong and they are the role models that demonstrate how one’s passion can become one’s profession. Alberto Francois, sculptor and furniture maker, who launched his company Rasta Chic, specialised in the making of wood furniture three years back, and is proud to be among those who are living from their passion.

It all goes back to 2008, recounts Alberto, when he went to the Caudan Waterfront and met a sculptor named Pem. “I began to observe how he worked and I wanted to do the same. I was a cook in a restaurant but I wanted a change in my life. So one day, I decided to buy a kit to sculpt wood. I resigned from my job and I began to sculpt wood and make furniture. Then, I began to sell my creations to Eureka House store. Since 2015, I have been working for myself as a craftsman and artist,” he shares. Was it difficult for him to switch jobs and learn to sculpt on his own from scratch? “Usually, when I want to learn something, I do it independently, without seeking any help; and I use my imagination to improve.”

Named Rasta Chic, Alberto explains why he chose this specific name for his enterprise. “I am passionate about the Rasta philosophy and I like to give a chic touch to my creations. So the name of this company is a mix between roots and authenticity and good finishes.” He reveals that he creates his furniture with a great deal of love. “When I create any kind of furniture or sculpture, I do it as if it were for me. Sometimes, I get really attached to my creations and I do not want to sell them!”

The entrepreneur and sculptor puts up beds, dressings, chairs, desks, among many others, with wood. “I can work and create something according to the customer’s needs. It depends. Sometimes, a client does not know what he/she wants exactly, so I offer him/her suggestions and advice. I use also driftwood for my creations. This kind of wood is very fashionable and provides a very good effect.”

Recycling is a must

There is a wide variety of materials nowadays to create unique furniture and sculpture but Alberto chose to stick with the noble and traditional wood. “Wood gives me inspiration. When I come across a good piece of wood, it comes as a real source of inspiration for me. I like wood because it is a natural material and it serves as a base for my creativity.” Also a nature lover, Alberto states that most of his creations are made out of natural or recycled materials. “People have the habit to throw away many good things which can be used to create other objects. They should become more conscious about recycling and reuse of materials and objects.” 

A plant lover, Alberto also has his personal vegetable garden where he tries to apply permaculture. “It is amazing to see how plants interact which each other. I am also a vegetarian, so it is very useful for me to have my own vegetable garden.” He strongly believes that it is vital for Mauritians, young and old, to become more conscious about their environment. “If we do not pay attention, our whole island will transform into the dumping ground of the Indian ocean. Our island is a very beautiful place and we have to respect it.”

He advises Mauritians to protect their environment. “I advise all Mauritians to pay special attention and care for the beautiful and unique environment we have here in Mauritius. I appeal to them to stop throwing rubbish everywhere and most importantly, to respect our sea. It would be great if every Mauritian could recycle materials and objects and refuse to utilize pesticides on vegetables.”

He believes that it is absolutely possible for a person to make a career as wood sculptor and furniture creator. “It is possible and I have achieved this goal myself. It was not easy and mostly at the beginning when you have to prove your skills, capabilities and expertise. His message for young people who have a passion for wood and wood artworks: “You have to persevere. This road is not easy but it is a passionate one.” Regarding his future projects and dreams, Alberto Francois confides that he would like to launch sculpture courses for children. “I would like to share and teach children about this art. I hope that one day, several artistic schools on wood crafting will be launched in Mauritius.”