I'm Cathy a Portuguese trained architect, back in 2012 the company I was working for suddenly closed and I found myself at a crossroads. I decided to use the opportunity to start creating origami gifts and make a living folding paper. I find it very relaxing after a busy day to take the time to focus on each fold, letting the worries fade away and suddenly, almost before I realise, I have a finished piece. That's just some of the magic of origami and how it can make a difference to people's lives - improving mental health, creating community (get a group of friends together for a fun night folding) and championing sustainability (flowers that last forever, reusable crackers and party crowns). Fold Your Own was originally founded as Origami Est by origami ninja, Esther Thorpe, but in 2026 she has decided to pursue other interests and I've taken over.