Piedad Aguilar

leather wallets and handbags

"I'm honored to say that I've been involved in handcrafts throughout all of my life. I'm Piedad, fro... read more

Microcredit Financing Piedad Aguilar has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $600 and the most recent for $200. Empowering Women The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women. Caring for Children This artist supports children under the age of 18. Enabling Education This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level. Job Creator This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people. Preserving Traditions This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive. Profound Impact Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income. Confronting Adversity This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge. Covering Basic Needs This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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Piedad Aguilar leather wallets and handbags

"I'm honored to say that I've been involved in handcrafts throughout all of my life. I'm Piedad, from León in Nicaragua. In my family there are musicians, artists, and painters, and above all, there are people in my family who are impassioned about what they do, which I believe is the greatest legacy I could inherit.

"My dad got involved in the art form I now practice in 1974, when he got together with some associates to start a tannery workshop. I inherited a passion for leather goods and handbags from dad, who was a master artisan. I took design courses in Nicaragua and Mexico, and now I'm involved training an artisan collective who specialize in leather work.

"Every day I see myself doing what I love to do, and it fills me with great satisfaction, for there is no greater feeling than seeing people grow in front of my eyes.

"I still have some leather pictures that I made with my father back in the 1980's – they're hanging on my wall since I never wanted to sell them. I studied accounting and finance at university, but my interest for this art form continued to grow, slowly absorbing me until it grew into a passion for the world of design.

"I decided to open my own workshop and I went to Mexico to take some courses in leather art. I bet all of my time in designing, materials and tools, and I won the bet! Now my designs have found acceptance in Nicaragua.

"If you were to ask my friends about me, they'd probably tell you I'm trustworthy, disciplined and that I enjoy teamwork. So when I look for new artisans to join my team I look for people that are enthusiastic and willing to learn.

"I've always been entertained with the different ways by designs or sketches have been interpreted by different artisans! It has also taught me about the importance of the ability of being able to interpret visual data or spoken instructions. The results themselves are a great reflection of a good communication.

"I was born in Nicaragua and I decided I continue living here and contributing to my country. I lived and experienced the horrors of the 1978 war and then I experienced the change from a market to a centralized economy and back again. Despite the enormous hardships of war, it was amazing to feel the happiness and creativity of those around me during those days of sadness and desolation, and you can't put a price on that. It has made me get closer to my country and to be able to forge ahead despite the circumstances.

"My inspiration comes from the comments people buying our designs have to say. I'm inspired by everything that surrounds me, what I read and what I see in the media, art fairs and social events. I find inspiration when I walk in silence barefoot on the beach or standing in a coffee plantation under the tropical rain. This is how I recharge my batteries so I can continue forward.

"My biggest dream is to found a school here in León specializing in leather art and design, since it would offer younger generations an opportunity to study in Nicaragua instead of having to go elsewhere, like I had to do when I went to Mexico.

"I sign my work as PYA for Piedad Aguilar, and I include a vintage bicycle to symbolize the use of age-old ways we use for working with leather.

"I sincerely believe that our work has inspired other generations who are discovering the generous opportunities that leather work has to offer in Nicaragua. This fosters a healthy competition and direct, productive job opportunities. Above all, it would contribute to the progress of our great and beautiful country."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace

"Im honored to say that Ive been involved in handcrafts throughout all of my life. Im Piedad, from León in Nicaragua. In my family there are musicians, artists, and painters, and above all, there are people in my family who are impassioned about what they do, which I believe is the greatest legacy I could inherit.

"My dad got involved in the art form I now practice in 1974, when he got together with some associates to start a tannery workshop. I inherited a passion for leather goods and handbags from dad, who was a master artisan. I took design courses in Nicaragua and Mexico, and now Im involved training an artisan collective who specialize in leather work.

"Every day I see myself doing what I love to do, and it fills me with great satisfaction, for there is no greater feeling than seeing people grow in front of my eyes.

"I still have some leather pictures that I made with my father back in the 1980s – theyre hanging on my wall since I never wanted to sell them. I studied accounting and finance at university, but my interest for this art form continued to grow, slowly absorbing me until it grew into a passion for the world of design.

"I decided to open my own workshop and I went to Mexico to take some courses in leather art. I bet all of my time in designing, materials and tools, and I won the bet! Now my designs have found acceptance in Nicaragua.

"If you were to ask my friends about me, theyd probably tell you Im trustworthy, disciplined and that I enjoy teamwork. So when I look for new artisans to join my team I look for people that are enthusiastic and willing to learn.

"Ive always been entertained with the different ways by designs or sketches have been interpreted by different artisans! It has also taught me about the importance of the ability of being able to interpret visual data or spoken instructions. The results themselves are a great reflection of a good communication.

"I was born in Nicaragua and I decided I continue living here and contributing to my country. I lived and experienced the horrors of the 1978 war and then I experienced the change from a market to a centralized economy and back again. Despite the enormous hardships of war, it was amazing to feel the happiness and creativity of those around me during those days of sadness and desolation, and you cant put a price on that. It has made me get closer to my country and to be able to forge ahead despite the circumstances.

"My inspiration comes from the comments people buying our designs have to say. Im inspired by everything that surrounds me, what I read and what I see in the media, art fairs and social events. I find inspiration when I walk in silence barefoot on the beach or standing in a coffee plantation under the tropical rain. This is how I recharge my batteries so I can continue forward.

"My biggest dream is to found a school here in León specializing in leather art and design, since it would offer younger generations an opportunity to study in Nicaragua instead of having to go elsewhere, like I had to do when I went to Mexico.

"I sign my work as PYA for Piedad Aguilar, and I include a vintage bicycle to symbolize the use of age-old ways we use for working with leather.

"I sincerely believe that our work has inspired other generations who are discovering the generous opportunities that leather work has to offer in Nicaragua. This fosters a healthy competition and direct, productive job opportunities. Above all, it would contribute to the progress of our great and beautiful country."

Central America Fulfillment Hub

Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and active volcanoes shelter the vestiges of the Mayan civilization that lives on in the languages and the arts of Central America. You'll discover the weaving traditions recorded on the backstrap looms, the glyphs and geometry that define the jewelry and pottery, and the vibrantly-painted folk art statues and masks among all the unique, handcrafted artisan treasures in our Central America Collection.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Piedad Aguilar has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $600 and the most recent for $200.

Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker BadgeConfronting Adversity

This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge.

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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