There is the rare person who can marry a passion, skill, and art into something profitable enough to live off of. While most people just end up having a hobby, Amarildo Silva accomplished that wonderful goal of living and doing what you love while also helping the world around him.

While many people are just trying to get by, Amarildo was looking for expression.

Amarildo was working at a local grocery store and looking for ways to express what he believed to be an artistic passion. He loved to take things most would consider useless or trash and create something useful.

One day he realized that the stray animals loved to use the old tires around the city to curl up in for beds.

This was lift-off for Silva. Seeing a sad reality around him, he started thinking of ideas on what to do next. Going around the city, Amarildo collected tires from wherever he could get them. In Brazil where he lived, they were common eyesores around town. After collecting from streets, parking lots and dumps, he had his own collection.

Ever since he was young, Amarildo wanted to be an entrepreneur.

Seeing a chance to make a difference around him, make a living, and express his creativity, Silva got to work. He began upcycling the old tires into brand new pet-beds for animals around the city. More than just the animals he was helping, he was also reducing waste and creating beautiful pieces from trash.

Taking over 50 years to decompose, Silva was cleaning up the streets.

Amarildo began the process of creating his art. Cleaning (extra important since animals will be in them) and cutting them into the right shapes is the first step. He then paints and seals the tire with colorful shapes and designs. For dogs that have names, he often will design their own little name tag to go on the bed.

After mastering his craft, the results were stunning.

People were amazed at the quality of work that Silva was able to make from simple trash pieces. After finishing his first six, he took them to his grocery store and immediately sold all of them. Knowing that he could make a great living as a new artist, he devoted more time to the craft.

Growing in fame, Silva grew his business and his notoriety.

Taking his creations to art shows and galleries around town, Silva began to get some notoriety for his work. People were interested in the things that he was making, especially when they found out that he was helping abandoned animals at the same time.

Business began booming.

With people wanting more of his work, Silva has taken off as a businessman and artist. Naming his business Cãominhas Pets, he now creates more than just beds. People often request specialty items and Silva has gone to create planters, recycling bins, and furniture!

Up and away.

In an environmental blog, Green Matters interviewed Silva, saying:

“Over the course of two years, I already removed 1,500 units of old tires from the environment making only the [pet beds]. This certainly makes a very big positive impact on nature.”

With a total number of recycled tires growing to over 6,000, he has begun to thrive on his success.

A reminder to chase our passion.

Amarildo is a great reminder of the impact that we can make when we pair our passion with a cause. What can you do today that excites you?

Check out the video below to see Amarildo in action!

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Source: Shareably, Air.Tv