We ignite the 6 senses to elevate them beyond reality.

Life comes full circle, ain’t that the case.

When I got a failure mark on an electrical circuit assignment in Grade 2 (yes Grade 2), my Mechanical Engineer mother lost her marbles. I love her. She is the best mother in the world. But despite my perfect electrical connections, apparently, I should have used a ruler for the lines in my drawing. Who knew? I swore then and there that I will never become an engineer, a profession that runs in my family. A designer at heart, I was simply more creative than technical. Being considered as a triple threat, due to my acting, dancing, and singing talents, I thought I was going to be something completely different. 

Fast forward a whole bunch of years, I became a business gal and then VISO happened. I spent some years educating myself: this course, that course, that school, another school. Gained a whole bunch of experience. Surprisingly, I kept being pulled back to circuits and drawings.

Fifteen years later I am proud to be an established woman leader in an industry that is extremely technical in nature, and I now use a ruler...! While the path of formal education was a great experience, nothing can substitute the deep learning I acquired through the challenges, solutions and rewards I have been through and continue to experience in my position as President of VISO Lighting.

With that comes incredible responsibility. 

To the client who trusts us with their vision and their projects. To our peers. To our team. To our vendors. To the young talented generation of upcoming professionals. Most of all, to oneself. To be authentic and true is the most challenging task and most needed for this adventure.

This adventure that is VISO Lighting, a lifelong journey that was meant for me from the beginning. In VISO, I have found love and the beauty in Grade 2 circuit drawings and I still get to be creative, combining both logical and artistic talents.

Born for Hospitality

I hustled hard. My journey began in Portugal. I designed, fabricated, and developed Tippy Toes, a children’s shoe company, that was later acquired by a conglomerate. I was inspired by my two small daughters to create something fit for princesses. The next thing you know, I was making lights. 

It was 1999 when I founded VISO. I was fascinated by the beauty of what different materials convey when put together to enhance atmosphere. Making things out of different materials and being creative with the final product is like second nature. After breaking and making things (decorative lighting, furniture), working with metals, acrylics, natural stone, and onyx, my intimate knowledge of individual requirements now has me consulting on complex projects because my true passion is construction. 

My curiosity to understand problems and how to put things together has me well known as the solutions guy in the hospitality and commercial industry – “…you need a solution for your project, ask Filipe…” – is a common statement I often hear. When not in the factory, or on the phone, you can find me in the middle of a construction site, advising GCs, electricians, labourers, and any (and all) stakeholders on anything to do with electrical, structural, and financial requirements. But I’m never in one spot for too long. Just like my brain, my body is always on to the next challenge that needs a solution. Catch me if you can…and if you can’t, just call Tzetzy.