Tonala, 
Follow
Following
I'm a jewelry designer. I was born in 1990 in Chiapas. Some of my family members are artisans who work in Mexican amber, and most of my designs feature this honey-gold fossil.
My mother always wore jewelry and I loved seeing the infinity of designs in her collection. She always looked lovely. Soon afterward, I realized that I loved designing and I began creating jewelry featuring amber.
My boyfriend, who later became my husband, taught me the crafting techniques he knew. My first jewelry was very simple but that's how I got my start. Today, I'm able to teach the people who collaborate with me in my workshop.
To understand some of the techniques, it has been fundamental that others teach me. The rest is a matter of practice. Although it has taken many hours of my time, it's been a marvelous experience because designing is my passion.
I work with my husband, who looks after sales and bookkeeping, and I take care of designing and working with the artisans. They are creative, dedicated and passionate about their work.
In addition to Mexican amber, I work with gemstones, minerals and crystals, but amber predominates. I use gold, silver and gold-plated metals. I'd love to learn more about working with precious metals and make our designs absolutely exquisite. I want our amber to be seen as the precious material that it is.
When I decided to dedicate my time to jewelry and to create my own collections, my family wasn't too convinced. They didn't think I'd do it and they didn't stand behind me. But my husband always believed in me and, together, we launched our project.
Little by little, our debts overtook us due to our investment in materials and our earnings came in so slowly that I felt as though I was suffocating. But we didn't lose hope and we got through this together.
Afterward, the family also believed in our project and gave us their support. But for us, our faith in God was the most important factor and we didn't give up.
I hope to be able to expand my collection and dream of my designs gaining recognition. Because we work with a fossil resin, difficult to mine, I'd love to be able to recycle amber from older jewelry and give it a new look in new settings.
The best moments in my life have been spent with my husband and family. I remember when we'd travel together, my husband, my faithful companion - all the laughter we shared, his mischief and the jokes we'd play on each other. This is the ingredient that adds flavor to life.
I like to think that our workshop has been a benefit to the community in some way. We purchase amber mined here and I've also been able to offer work to young people, which contributes to our local economy.
The shelves are empty for now. Every piece Paola Lopez makes is one of a kind, and they've all found homes. Follow to be first to see the next collection. Follow Paola Lopez.
