Month: August 2013

Francisco is one of seven children living in a compound divided up for them by their parents. Everyone in the family is an artisan. Francisco, like 3,000 other people in the small town of San Antonio de Ibarra, is an artisan—a woodcarver and sculptor. He has been working 26 years in wood. For 15 of […]

Home: Otavalo, Imbabura Province of Ecuador Products: Acrylic Scarves Favorite Music: Romantic Music Favorite Dance: Merengue Favorite Pasttime: Combining colors in her work Favorite Vacation Spot: The Jungle Goals: To continue growing her business Gladys was born in 1973 in Quichinche and her husband Carlos Burga in 1974 in Otavalo. They have a son named […]

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Luis was born in Peguche, near the city of Otavalo. He and his wife Estela ambitious artisans who produce solid colored scarves primarily for the Otavalo market. Their family business includes Luis’ mother, Rosa Elena and father, Jose Lema. It was founded on a tradition of knitting that goes back over three generations. Luis was taught the principles […]

Working with Minga since 2005 Workshop: Otavalo, Ecuador Products: Fabric Purses & Bags

Elsa and her husband Julio have four children: Clever is 26 years old, Ronando is 23, Julio is 19 and Nuesta is 15. They own a small store in Otavalo where they sell a variety of products from the region and some products from other South American countries like Brazil. Julio has been an artisan […]

Edwin was born in Huancayo, Perú in 1989 to a family of craftsmen. His parents taught him the art of decorating gourds at an early age. He has three brothers. He makes more than 20 products. The designs are carved and burned into the gourds. He has studied foreign trade and hopes to continue growing […]