Startup Story
The development of 3d printing technology means that today, if you can visualise it, you can make it. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Lineia Caldeira, founder of LC3D Produções, is literally bringing her clients’s ideas to life through the use of 3d printing.
LoA chatted to the highly creative entrepreneur and founder, Lineia Caldeira, to find out more
What does your company do?
At LC3D Produções, we design and print 3d objects to suit our clients’ needs.
“The idea that there could be a way to manufacture personalized items which could be readily available at affordable prices was the main reason I started this business. “
What inspired you to start your company?
When I was abroad, I became fascinated with 3d printing technology and the vast areas of application. The idea that there could be a way to manufacture personalized items which could be readily available at affordable prices was the main reason I started this business.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Over the years I have managed to establish myself as a supplier for personalized decorative items mainly for events, but what I think sets me apart is that I am always willing to design and make something completely different. When a client comes to me with an unusual request that requires me to think of different design solutions, that’s what makes my day.
“When a client comes to me with an unusual request that requires me to think of different design solutions, that’s what makes my day.”
Tell us a little about your team
In terms of designing and manufacturing, I have worked mostly alone. I consider my family my team, because they are always willing to give me new leads for potential opportunities and sell my products wherever they manage to find an audience. I am very grateful.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I have always had the encouragement to pursue my interests, but I had never planned on having my own company. I went abroad for my studies and when I returned, for a long period I was searching for employment. This is when I really started researching 3d printing and how to apply it in my country. The biggest appeal was that according to my research, anyone could learn on their own how to work with a desktop 3d printer and that’s what I did. When I started, I didn’t really know who would be interested in my products and for what, so I publicized a wide range of items and gradually something stuck and resonated with customers.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would like to expand and be able to lower the cost of production even more, which would require a bigger and faster printer at a lower cost. This would take me to a next level in terms of services I can provide, and technical skills required to manage the printer of this kind.
“At heart I am an architect and I love the creative part of conceiving and designing a new product.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
At heart I am an architect and I love the creative part of conceiving and designing a new product, but as entrepreneur I have had to manage all aspects of the business and have gained a taste for the financial tracking aspect of it and I apply it to my personal life as well.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Always do something you are passionate about. Something that gives you true satisfaction even at 2 am when you are struggling to finish an order.
Contact or follow LC3D Produções
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL lcaldeira@lc3d.co.mz
Why LoA loves it….
They say that finding your niche in the marketplace is the secret to success in business, and if that's the case, then entrepreneur Lineia Caldeira is on a journey to find that success right now. She identified a gap in the market for 3d printing in Mozambique, and then set out to gain the skills and equipment necessary to build a successful, niche business that is in demand. As more and more people and businesses see a need to turn their creative ideas into tangible products, this creates greater opportunities for Lineia to help them make those ideas a reality. This is definitely a business to watch over the coming months. — Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa.