Lorette Menjura

My name is Lorette Menjura and I was born in Colombia, in a wonderful city characterized by its diverse microclimates and surrounded by mountains that bear witness to our marvelous multiculturalism. I consider myself a hardworking woman with strong social and creative skills. It all began 12 years ago when I wanted to be independent and started learning about crafts. I meet an artisan who opened her heart to me and amazed me with her story in the artisan world. With her, I began a journey in consulting with artisans and communities, and Ive stayed in this path until today. I started working with artisans in 2017 where I had the opportunity to export products created in collaboration with indigenous communities. That same year, I went through a lot that shattered me. My cousin passed away, and it was the first close death I experienced. I went through depression and felt like nothing was working, like I was sinking. Thanks to the support of my family, I managed to emerge from the sadness and negative thoughts. The personal inner work was intense, a way to rediscover who I truly am. In 2018, I decided to start anew with more acceptance, resilience to flow, and rebuild. Today, I can look back and see everything I went through, proud to have grown stronger and happy to have overcome something so dark. With all the work Ive been doing with artisans, I want to reach more countries. I feel that through this, I directly contribute to the growth of many artisan communities in the country, improving production processes and strengthening organization. In Colombia, many artisans benefit from cooperation, and its a wonderful way to move forward together. This whole experience has taught me to be creative in seeking solutions and resources, without confining myself to traditional education. Being part of this project opens your eyes to the reality and diversity that exists in the world; many times, its not possible for me to meet people who speak the same language as I do, yet we find ways to understand each other and move in the same direction. Along the way, Ive discovered a version of myself that loves colors and enjoys living among them and using them. For many years, I was a woman who mainly wore gray and black. When I started working with artisanal themes, I discovered that I deeply love color and how I can express myself through them. Colombian craftsmanship is known for its beautiful color combinations. I definitely connect with colors more than ever. One of the greatest challenges has been understanding the different ways of living life, being flexible with it, and managing it in the best possible way. Its important for me to work with dedicated and committed individuals. I draw a lot of inspiration from my people, and thats why what I learn from them is something I find hard to repay.