About us
Olá! I'm Olavo, the founder of Áit Apparel. You might be wondering how someone from Brazil ended up creating a brand so deeply rooted in the heart of Ireland. For me, it was simple: I found a place that felt like home.
My home state in Brazil (Minas Gerais) is known for its incredible warmth and open-hearted way with people. It's a place where connections are quickly made, and a strong sense of community and pride defines us. Having lived in Ireland for eight wonderful years now, I can genuinely say that when I first experienced this country – its breathtaking landscapes, its vibrant towns, and most profoundly, its people – I felt an immediate and powerful resonance. The genuine warmth, the unwavering sense of community, and the fierce, yet welcoming, pride that pulses through Ireland mirrored the very essence of what I cherished about my own roots. I truly felt, and still feel, at home here.
My Irish Journey
Over these eight years, Ireland has become more than just a place to live; it's where I've raised my family, including my proudly half-Irish, half-Brazilian son, (there's another on the way). Living in Sallins for the past four years has only deepened this connection, embedding me further into the local community. I also love to explore new corners of this incredible island; each year, I make it a point to travel to a different part of Ireland, discovering new landscapes and even more reasons to feel at home here. And a personal touch: all the landscape photos you see on our site are my own, captured during these many journeys across Ireland.
The Spark for Áit Apparel
The idea for Áit Apparel was born from a very personal desire. Living in Sallins, a place I've come to love deeply, I searched for something I could wear that truly represented my town, something that captured that unique local connection. I couldn't find anything that truly spoke to that feeling. It sparked a thought: if I, a proud resident (even if a newcomer), longed for a way to wear my local pride, surely others across Ireland felt the same about their own special places.
And so, "Áit" was born. In Irish, "Áit" (pronounced like "awtch") means "place" or "local." But to me, it signifies much more. "Áit" is that profound feeling of belonging, of connection to a specific corner of the world, whether it's where you grew up, where your family lives, or simply a place that has captured your heart and made you feel at home. It embodies the pride in a community, the joy of a landmark, and the warmth of the people who make a place truly special. It's the silent declaration of "This is my place, and I'm proud of it."
Our Commitment to 'Áit'
At Áit Apparel, we celebrate this universal sense of 'Áit'. Drawing on 18 years of experience in User Experience (UX) Design, I meticulously create designs for our premium apparel and accessories, featuring a range of styles from our signature minimalist line art to more vibrant, realistic illustrations, each celebrating Ireland's cherished counties, towns, and villages. Each design is a subtle nod to history, heritage, and the unique spirit of that place, complete with its precise coordinates – a tangible link to where your heart truly lies.
My journey from Brazil to building Áit Apparel is a testament to the fact that connection transcends borders, and that home can truly be found and built anywhere. We hope that when you wear an Áit Apparel hoodie, you not only feel the comfort and quality but also the deep, personal connection to your chosen 'Áit', wherever that may be in Ireland.
Thank you for being part of our story and for sharing your pride.
Olavo Xavier Founder, Áit Apparel