Aroma Lojas: A Celebration of Portuguese craft and tradition

Ivone’s Journey

Ivone Ramos Domingues is originally from Tavira and has been connected to the ceramic business since her childhood, as her parents owned artisan shops. After getting married, she moved to Spain, but later she and her husband decided to return to Portugal, settling near Sines. There were times when she managed more than 20 shops at once. Ivone is a specialist when it comes to artisan and ceramic products. She has a line of ceramics made exclusively for her shops that range from decorative pieces to functional pottery. Currently, she owns three shops in the historic center of Tavira.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ivone, learning about her journey and enjoying a personal guided tour through her three shops. This was a great experience for me, as each shop offers a different atmosphere and a selection of products, allowing me to discover Portuguese artists whom I hadn’t heard of before.

The First Shop – Ceramics Only

The first shop I visited is dedicated to ceramics. Ivone collaborates with several Portuguese artists and also has her own brand made in ateliers across Portugal.

“We are firmly committed to products made in Portugal, offering a selection of authentic products that reflect the national culture and know-how that define our heritage. Tradition and modernity come together to bring our clients an experience steeped in history and excellence. Most of what we sell are national products, whether our own productions or those of renowned factories and artisans,“ Ivone explained.

Among the bestsellers is a ceramic decorative bird, part of the shop’s own collection and currently available in around 30 different colours. These wonderfully sculpted birds play a significant role in Portuguese culture and they are widely recognized as a symbol of good luck. The bird collection is a tribute to elegance, color, and grandeur.

Another favourite piece is pratinho ralador (grating plate), with charming Portugal-inspired patterns that bring a fresh, maritime touch to the kitchen. This plate is ideal for grating garlic, ginger, or nuts. “It is a functional and decorative piece, crafted with the care and craftsmanship of our in-house collections.“

From the shop’s own collection, you can find everything you need for your kitchen—cups, plates, bowls, serving dishes, salad bowls, platters, mugs, baking trays, oil and vinegar bottles, salt and pepper shakers, and much more.

Another lovely item are little worry dolls, handmade from Guatemalan fabric scraps. According to a legend, before going to sleep, we must tell the doll what worries us, put the doll under the pillow and by morning, the problem will be gone. A great gift, especially for children.

To mention some of the artists whose artwork you can purchase in Aroma Lojas, Bruno Pires creates custom pieces with technical and artistic precision for Ivone’s shops, in his own studio in Caldas da Rainha.

Cristiana Carneiro is originally from Faro, but now lives in Olhão. She designs and hand-paints tiles with typical Portuguese motifs.

The Second Shop – Ceramics and Stationery

The second, and the smallest shop, is focused on ceramics and stationery products. The “Olá Portugal” collection features bookmarks, posters, magnets, and notebooks. These items are perfect souvenirs from Portugal, carrying Portuguese motifs and many of them inspired specifically by Tavira town. For a touch of freshness and Mediterranean style, the lemon collection offers postcards, shopping lists and other items. Each postcard can be accompanied by a personalized envelope carrying unique phrases, and all products are lovingly crafted in Portugal.

Another highlight is the work of Iva Viana from Viana do Castelo, where is also located her sculture atelier. She is using traditional techniques of stucco molding to create contemporary designs. Her process involves drawing, then sculpting in plaster, and sometimes creating silicone molds depending on the object. Iva’s pieces have the power to turn an ordinary wall into a work of art.

The Third Shop – A Little Bit of Everything

The final shop showcases a wide variety of artisan products.

Brand ChiCoracao from Alfama offers the best of Portuguese wool, always committed to growing in quality and innovation, ensuring the excellence of their products.

Alongside various items from this brand, the shop also offers bags made from surplus material, promoting sustainability and fashion. Another highlight is the junco baskets, timeless pieces, made using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

You will also find 100% cotton blankets, amazing thanks to their softness. Cotton, in addition to being natural and lightweight, is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin and those who value comfort.

The shop also carries cosmetic products for the body and home from well-known Portuguese brands such as Castelbel and Essências de Portugal.

Edible souvenirs are another specialty, such as canned sardines, biscuits with pastel de nata flavour or liqueurs.

Among the smaller souvenirs is a unique piece that celebrates Portuguese tradition and culture: a miniature Portuguese guitar, entirely handmade with attention to detail.

Another one, my personal favourite ceramic pastel de nata, crafted in the shape of the iconic Portuguese sweet cake and can be used as salt and pepper shakers or a cinnamon dispenser.

Visit Aroma Lojas

To see the collection directly from your home, visit aromalojas.com.

You can also visit Aroma Lojas in person at one of the three shops in Tavira’s historic center: R. Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 18, Tv. Dom Brites 12, R. José Pires Padinha 20.