100 Alpaca Hand-Embroidered Men's Pullover Sweater in Grey 'Little Stitches in Grey' Item ID: 2677117677

“My name is Briseida Edith Huete Jiménez. I was born in 1970 in Lima, Peru. I consider myself a woman who makes beautiful designs, embroidered with all my art, and I love what I do. With regard to my personal life, I consider myself authentic; committed.

“One of the most difficult stages of my life occurred when my son Gabriel was born. I was a single mother, unable to find work. They taught me how to hand embroider sweaters at home for exporting companies. It was not easy to learn but my desire to get ahead and provide food to my son made me persevere, fight and not lose hope in the future. It was the engine and motivation that led me to today; now I carry out product development and design for some companies.

“I got interested in this art out of necessity, and then little by little I liked it and fell in love with the whole process. I am attracted to the combination of colors, and the embroidery that is added. I love it because it makes me think how it could look better. I imagine it worn by clients, and that demands my best.

“First I learned to embroider, and I was taught by a neighbor who had a group, then I began to go directly to the company along with a group of 4 ladies. Then I worked in the review and quality control areas. I have taught machine embroidery to those who work with me, and if there is anyone new I will teach them.

“I am very happy to be part of NOVICA. One of my dreams and plans is already happening, and I will always be grateful to NOVICA for giving me the opportunity. I wish and I hope that the first production turns out well. Several models have been made and sold, and my dream of seeing my pieces cross the borders of my Peru have come true.

“To achieve mastery I always said to myself: you have to be persevering. What I do is an art and requires a lot of initiative and motivation. My inspiration comes from many places, but especially from these 20 years of craftsmanship that have taught me and nurtured me with everything that I am today.