Handcrafted Orange Leather Shoulder Bag 'Sweet Combination' Item ID: 2677069197

"I was born in 1954 in San Francisco, Nicaragua, where I grew up in a very large family — my dad, my mom and my 12 brothers and sister. A a very young age, I had to begin working, as my parents had limited resources and I wanted to help them out financially. We emigrated to the city of Chinandenga and, later, to the capital so we could attend the University. That took a lot of work and effort, but finally it was all worth it. I was able to become a professional woman and today I am a small entrepreneur.

"My interest in this beautiful art was born in my family. My great-aunt made utilitarian ceramics. It requires a lot of creativity to make them functional and not just decorative. My daughter Arlen started in the art world at the age of 15, working in ceramics, just like my great-aunt. I as there for my daughter throughout the process of becoming an artisan. I accompanied her to fairs, encouraged her in the production process and supported her financially. Upon retirement, I became even more involved in crafts, creating my own line inspired by my daughter.

"When I started exploring handicrafts, I looked for designs and gave them to my relatives. Little by little, I learned to make many kinds of items. I was always motivated by my love for art, for my country and our customs. I consider myself an honest, honorable, creative person and an art lover and I have always liked to create and be active. So for me, leather work is a hobby I enjoy very much. It is incredible how functional designs can be made with my hands through my own creativity.

"I began working with my daughter in 2020. We divide the tasks and we work very well together in a workshop in Masaya. Our specialty is leather products, which we craft with great dedication. And our greatest inspiration is the love of art, traditions, artisan peoples and our trajectory as a family and as artisans.

"Of course we always strive to create quality work, made with a lot of love. I've always liked all kinds of artistic expressions and, by supporting my daughter, I was entering the world of crafts, meeting people, artists and artisans. Now I can spend time creating my own designs and working more closely with other artists, like I did with my daughter."