Tonala, 
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I've worked with you since 2017. These years have been enormously surprising and have improved my income.
I began creating amber jewelry from a young age, and it is as beautiful as my village. When I first started working with you, improving my quality was a challenge, but you helped me see how each detail could be used to make a stupendous piece of jewelry. Sharing the details of this beautiful tradition has been a challenge, from the extraction of amber to polishing and working the stone, transmitting the value of the jewelry to each shopper who is pleased with my work.
When I saw that I could make a living through my art, I said 'Now, I've made it.' Seeing the result of my work pleases me greatly. I don't work all by myself - members of my family also help. And, when a piece is sold, it carries a part of them too.
You have helped me sustain my family in an incredible way. They tell me that I'm the most successful artisan in Chiapas. I always participate in amber expos, and I am proud that amber is the source of my income.
Original Artisan Story
I was born and raised in a small Maya town in Chiapas. From the time I was 14, I've crafted jewelry in silver and amber. My parents taught me. While I was learning, I'd practice with a piece of charcoal to shape it like a gem and polish it. This was something I really enjoyed doing.
My workshop is in my home and, like my parents did, I'm teaching my children. I like seeing my family help in the workshop. My children polish the silver, my wife does some designing and also sets the gems while I cut and shape the amber. As I work, I imagine how the design will look when it's finished. I have to be careful not to cut myself with the sharp diamond blades.
My feelings while working inspire me to express this in my designs. Other times, I craft jewelry that is seasonal or that sells well.
People in my community have worked with amber for many, many years. Southeastern Mexico has a number of amber mines. Once I visited one of them. We descended for more than 600 yards when I began feeling as though I couldn't get my breath. I was getting desperate and tried to run out, but I slipped and fell all the way back down. It was terrifying! Today, I laugh about it. Actually, it's memories like this that make me enjoy my work.
For me, the growth of my community is a priority. I like to help other artisans all I can and lend materials to neighbors who are jewelers. I also purchase the amber from mines in the area. My greatest wish is to send my children to college but, at the same time, I encourage them to continue the family's jewelry arts.
The shelves are empty for now. Every piece Juan Garcia makes is one of a kind, and they've all found homes. Follow to be first to see the next collection. Follow Juan Garcia.
