Catarina Palma

Founder & Designer

INTI is a dream that became reality in 2014 when, inspired by her ancestors’ footprints, Catarina Palma changed from a former carrier in journalism to follow her passion: leather craft.

Inspired by a nomadic lifestyle, Catarina’s aim was to create adjustable pieces to be worn in travel and in festivals, as in everyday’s life. This is the reason behind the versatility in the core of the brand’s vision: no INTI design is to be worn just one way. Bucket bags become crossbody, leg holsters convert into backpacks and bumbags swing into sophistication when transforming into hand purses.

Being a self taught artisan, in 2019 was time for Catarina to pursue studies in her work field, and so she went to London Fashion School, where she studied patterning and sewing for leather. A new world of tools, machines and possibilities was open. This was a major stepping stone for the brand’s evolution. INTI evolved into a more minimal approach in style, maintaining the aesthetics and slow handmade ways.

Sofia Figueiredo

Production manager

Sofia joined the team in 2023 to assume the position of production & logistics manager. 

Since her former career was being an executive chef for hotels and restaurants, starting to work in the environment of a leathercraft studio was something completely new for Sofia. Nevertheless, she accepted the challenge with the spirit of someone used to running highly stressful environments. 

If you are one of our suppliers, you have already talked to her. If you are one of our customers, most likely, you have already talked to her. She is our ‘all hands in deck person’, always ready to make it work.