Woven with Culture — Crafted for Everyday Living.
More than furniture, MasayaCo creates "forever" pieces rooted in culture and shaped by values — where design, reforestation, and sustainability grow together.
At the heart of that transformation is Abril Zepeda, our Design Director. A driving force behind MasayaCo’s approach to sustainable furniture, Abril infuses every step of the design process with purpose and authenticity. Born and raised in Masaya, Nicaragua, she discovered her passion for art, textiles, and creativity early on — a passion rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
From honoring her heritage to shaping structural forms, selecting color palettes, and crafting pieces that balance longevity with beauty, Abril ensures that every detail carries purpose and meaning.
We sat down with Abril to learn more about her design journey, what inspires her, and how her vision comes to life in each MasayaCo piece — far beyond the furniture itself.
Discovering MasayaCo’s Design Journey: A Conversation with Design Director Abril Zepeda.
How did you express your creativity as a child?
Abril: I was a curious kid. Colored pencils and sneakers were the gifts that made me happiest. I grew up during a socially crucial time in Nicaragua, with limited economic resources and little access to the technological and industrial advancements much of the world already had.
That reality made my siblings and me imaginative and resourceful. We repurposed everyday objects and relied on our creativity to entertain ourselves. I remember playing with scissors, my mom’s dresses, and her scarves. I loved to color, and I’d collect butterflies, flowers, and leaves from her garden, then try to draw and paint them.
The first textile I ever fell in love with — and felt deeply attached to — was a Colombian poncho, a handmade garment a friend had gifted my mom. I was five years old, and that poncho became my comfort blanket. It was soft, beautiful, and full of character. From that moment on, I was completely fascinated by textiles.
How would you describe Masaya culture?
Abril: Festive! Full of color and sound. It’s a deeply artisanal culture, rooted in religious syncretism and rich with layered beliefs and artistic expression. In Masaya, even chaos has an aesthetic. There’s beauty in the spontaneity — in the way tradition and creativity naturally intertwine.
In your opinion, what is the most beautiful characteristic that makes Masaya unique in Latin American culture?
Abril: I’d say it’s the richness of our artistic expression — especially in the way it comes alive through vibrant festivals and handcrafted Nicaraguan traditions. There’s a unique spirit in how art, belief, and celebration are woven into everyday life.
Describe the moment you officially got involved in the design process for MasayaCo.
Abril: It all began when I met Aram, the founder of MasayaCo. From the start, our relationship naturally flowed within the world of design — everything aligned in a spontaneous, almost serendipitous way.
At first, I was simply helping him with a project. A mutual friend had been hired to decorate a boutique hotel and asked us to create woven chairs inspired by the style of Hans Wegner. I had never woven a chair before, but I’ve always believed that when you’re curious and creative, “I can’t” just isn’t part of your vocabulary.
Can you walk us through your very first furniture design collection at MasayaCo?
Abril: MasayaCo has always grown in a very organic way. Honestly, it’s only now—at this stage of our journey—that we’re beginning to approach design through structured collections.
In the early days, my focus was on textile art—woven designs that were spontaneous and expressive. Each piece felt like its own free spirit, guided more by instinct than by a formal framework.
One of my biggest contributions has been experimenting with textures, incorporating value-added materials, and curating unique color combinations. I’ve helped shape the visual identity of our pieces—adding nuance and emotion to the form.
Designing sustainable furniture is never a solo act. It’s a collaborative effort among passionate people. We’re like a creative club—meeting twice a month to share ideas, challenge each other, and let our imaginations run wild. It’s not always easy, but that tension is part of the process.
I believe design can be innate—but developing it requires experimentation, growth, and play.
How would you describe your creative process?
Abril: It starts with a specific moment — a feeling of connection and flow. Ideas come to me spontaneously; they make noise in my thoughts, and the rest is just about expressing them.
The process of organizing and translating those ideas can take days. Coloring is key, and so is setting aside dedicated time. Interruptions make it hard to get back into that headspace — I work best when I can dive in without distractions.
I feel truly fulfilled when a piece is finished. I’m very focused on completing what I start. For me, creativity doesn’t mix well with multitasking — I need to be immersed, fully present, and all in.
What inspires you to craft a design for a specific furniture piece?
Abril: For me, inspiration is guided by interpretation. A designer’s mind is like a warehouse of ideas — always full, always waiting to be activated by the senses.
Colors, scents, textures, nature, and real human needs all shape how I interpret the world around me. When it comes to inspiration, I rely a lot on my instincts as someone who truly loves the feeling of home.
I try to understand what comfort means to different people. I always design from the perspective of the customer — how they live, what they need, and what will make them feel truly at ease in their space.
Can you give us examples of your favorite MasayaCo furniture pieces?
Abril: Two of my all-time favorite pieces are from the Arenal and Amador chair lines. The shape of their backrests feels like an invitation to pause and rest your body for a moment — almost like the curve of a spine, offering natural alignment and support.
In particular, the Arenal and Amador rocking and lounge chairs have tall backrests that gently encourage you to take a break during your day — to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and allow yourself a few minutes to reset. The perfect match? Pairing them with an ottoman to elevate your feet — it becomes a complete comfort ritual.
I also love some of our coffee tables, especially when styled together as a bundle in a living room. Pieces like Trompo, Batea, and Coyotepe are playfully artistic. They remind me of oversized chess pieces guarding the heart of the home. For those of us who love spacious living rooms with large sofas that host 10 or more people, these tables are both beautiful and functional — easy to move and shift around the space as needed. I absolutely love that versatility.
Then there are pieces I admire for their sheer practicality — like the Santa Cruz and Catalina benches.
And recently, I’ve completely fallen in love with the Granada Line. It has a fresh, airy simplicity — an organic elegance that brings calm and understated beauty to any home.
Describe your top three learnings from the design process at MasayaCo.
Abril:
1. Always think about how you’re going to bring an idea to life. Patience is key — and so is imagination. The sky’s the limit, but turning a concept into a tangible piece takes time, care, and a lot of iteration.
2. Learn to spot design opportunities. This is essential in our business model, where we’re often working in service of a client’s vision. Sometimes that means setting aside your own ego to meet the needs of the moment — and finding creativity within those boundaries.
3. The best way to learn is by teaching. This has been my most valuable lesson. As I teach others, I continue to sharpen my own skills, refine my techniques, and train my eye. It’s a continuous cycle of growth — giving and learning at the same time.
How is sustainability reflected in the design process?
Abril: Sustainability is at the heart of how we design.
Our teak is grown in our own forests and those of trusted partners — all managed through careful, long-term forest planning. The threads and other value-added materials we use come from certified factories that follow responsible, environmentally conscious practices.
At every step, we strive to reduce our environmental footprint. We design with the understanding that Mother Earth doesn’t need us — we need her. That awareness guides us to act with gratitude and respect.
Our work also contributes to carbon capture through sustainable forestry. It’s our way of giving back — while creating pieces with lasting meaning.
Authentic Design That Tells a Story.
What makes a MasayaCo piece truly unique?
For Design Director Abril Zepeda, it’s the meeting point between woven expression and everyday utility — where intricate patterns and sculptural form come together in sustainably made solid teak wood furniture.
Each piece is born from intention and brought to life through responsible practices and handmade craftsmanship. It’s a process rooted in respect for the land, a deep appreciation for heritage, and a belief that sustainable furniture can tell a bigger story.
Explore our collections and step into Abril’s creative world — where every design begins with purpose and ends in something meaningful.
MasayaCo isn’t just furniture. It’s a feeling. A story. A way of living.
Author: Paola Luconi G.
Interviewee: Abril Zepeda