MARISA Fonseca

CO-OWNER, THE LISBOANS & PRADO

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Tânia, Marta and Marisa Fonseco are three sisters who make up a super stylish set of triplets and share a love for architecture, art, design, food and the city of Lisbon. A few years ago they decided to take the leap to become business partners, combining their diverse backgrounds in art direction, architecture, and law. They now run one of hottest hotels and restaurants in the city of Lisbon.

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1. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO OPEN THE LISBOANS AND PRADO WITH YOUR SISTERS? WHAT CONTINUES TO SURPRISE OR INSPIRE YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Since I can remember, I have always been the most reserved and serious of three sisters known for being triplets with entirely different features. That’s why I ended up going to law school and working for more than 10 years as a lawyer at a big law firm. So I must confess that the decision to make part of this wonderful project is essentially due to my sisters, Marta and Tânia, who are constantly pushing me to come out of my shell.

2. IS THERE A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN THAT HAS ALWAYS STUCK WITH YOU?

During my childhood and adolescence, I was given several pieces of advice that I often remember, try to follow, and share. However, more recently, I recall one piece of advice given to me by one of the partners of the law firm where I used to work that taught me not to be so strict as a professional and, generally, as a person. Basically, he told me that in life things are not always black or white, but tend to conceal many gray nuances.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE OF STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND BEING A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR?

I feel I still have a lot to learn… I guess the most valuable lesson I have learned until now is that trusting your instinct does not mean you should act (or react) instinctively: even in personal or family projects, we should maintain the capacity to listen and rationalize before deciding and, also, have the humility to trust certain issues to people with the equidistance, knowledge and experience necessary to let your project involve and endure.

4. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Today, in contrast with my previous day-to-day life as a lawyer, and despite being responsible for the more bureaucratic tasks and matters of our family project, I cannot say I have a typical day at work - every day something new and unexpected happens.

5. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON DAYS OFF?

Nothing exotic or fancy but, I assume, what people normally like to do: reading the weekly newspaper, buying fruits and vegetables at the organic neighborhood market, sharing lunch, dinner and other quality moments with family and friends, discovering new things, people and places and trying to relax and get some rest in order to reset.

6. DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU HAVE EVER WANTED TO TRY/LEARN TO DO?

Knowing (and accepting) that time is limited, I try to focus mainly on running, reading and drawing. Although, and it may seem foolish, I have always wanted to try sewing and tailoring classes, maybe as a reaction to the impositions of the modern clothing industry.