In the latest episode of Negócios com Impacto, a partnership between CATÓLICA-LISBON and Rádio Renascença, Diana Lemos, an alumna of the school, shares the story behind Bordaleiras, the brand that reimagines the traditional Serra da Estrela slipper and elevates it into a premium, handcrafted and sustainable product. Based in the city of Guarda, the young entrepreneur created a brand that blends tradition, regional identity and contemporary design, restoring prestige to an object deeply rooted in Portugal’s cultural memory.
Bordaleiras emerged naturally, bringing together a strong connection to her origins and the desire to build her own business. “I always wanted to have my own brand, but nothing very planned. Bordaleiras came about in a very organic way, combining my love for the place where I grew up with the perception that there was no premium, high-quality option for indoor footwear available in the market,” Diana explains. The result is a product that honors the heritage of the Serra da Estrela region while giving it a new expression of sophistication, functionality and refined aesthetics.
Handcrafted using high-quality natural materials, the slippers stand out for their durability, meticulous workmanship and commitment to sustainability. “The leather we use is a by-product of the food industry; no animals are slaughtered for this purpose,” the founder emphasizes, defending a conscious and responsible production approach. By selecting premium hides and reinforced soles, the brand invests in long-lasting pieces designed to withstand both time and use — a clear contrast to synthetic, mass-produced alternatives.
Today, Bordaleiras offers models for babies, children and adults, all made with the same careful attention to materials and construction. Baby slippers, intended for infants up to one year old and designed with particular attention to orthopedic needs, start at €70. Adult models — handmade with premium natural materials — range between €100 and €150, reflecting the value of craftsmanship, durability and exclusive design. Each pair is conceived as a piece meant to accompany daily life with comfort and identity.
Although the brand was created in 2023, it has already gained traction both in Portugal and abroad. Since early 2025, around 200 pairs have been sold, reaching customers in Spain, Switzerland and the United States. Growth has been intentionally gradual, aligned with the artisanal production capacity. “We want to grow slowly and sustainably, consolidating our brand and ensuring that every customer receives a product with the quality we stand for,” Diana states.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Diana highlights the decisive influence of CATÓLICA-LISBON. “They gave me solid foundations in management and accounting, but also something essential: the ambition to always do better. It’s a school that teaches us not to settle for being average,” she recalls. She also stresses the importance of soft skills and the school’s demanding academic environment, which continues to shape her decisions and the way she navigates new challenges.
The full episode is available on Spotify and on CATÓLICA-LISBON’s YouTube channel.