Craftsmanship as a New Career Model for Young Creatives: Interview with Mia and Sabrina Ciauri

The world of work is constantly evolving, and in recent years, many young creatives have begun transforming craftsmanship into a genuine career path—one that is both fulfilling and full of promise compared to more “traditional” jobs. If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic taught us, it’s the need for greater authenticity and a more human approach to life and work. During lockdown, many people rediscovered the joy of working with their hands—creating something meaningful, lasting, and rooted in time. As a result, many young people found themselves rethinking their sense of time, their professional lives, and for many, returning to manual trades became a form of refuge. Handicrafts emerged as a way to express oneself—a kind of antidote to the speed and detachment of the modern world.

Craftsmanship as a Response to Present-Day Challenges
Statistics support this shift. According to research from Italy’s National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), about 25% of young Italians aged 18–35 reported developing a passion for crafts during the pandemic—not just as a fleeting hobby, but as a real professional aspiration. In fact, a study by the European Creative Industries Alliance (ECIA) revealed that 40% of European youth aged 18–30 are seriously considering a career in craftsmanship, driven by the desire to work in an authentic and creative way.

Via Ciauri: A Case Study in Contemporary Craftsmanship
Via Ciauri is a London-based luxury brand founded by two young sisters, Mia and Sabrina Ciauri, who are committed to celebrating and preserving Sicilian craftsmanship through handmade design. The name “Via Ciauri” is inspired by a charming street in the coastal town of Santa Flavia, Sicily, where the family name can be traced back to an ancient Phoenician ruin from the 8th century BCE.

In 2024, during London Fashion Week, Via Ciauri partnered with Creative Italy to introduce a wider audience to the intricate art of bobbin lace embroidery, a traditional technique that combines manual skill, elegance, and history. This collaboration stemmed from the sisters’ participation in Creative Italy’s workshops in Milazzo, Sicily, where they had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of bobbin lace and incorporate it into their designs—adding a touch of authenticity and refinement to their creations.

To learn more about their journey, their brand, and how they’re embracing the challenge of turning craftsmanship into a sustainable and viable career, Laura Notarbartolo interviewed Mia and Sabrina Ciauri.

Here’s what they shared: https://youtu.be/k2ibf4mfwUo?si=uDosuEz0QVM38y9q

Via Ciauri’s story shows how craftsmanship can be an innovative career path for young creatives, blending a passion for tradition with the opportunities of a global market. By embracing their cultural roots and investing in continuous learning, Via Ciauri stands as a powerful example of success in the world of contemporary artisanal design.