Cotton placemats and napkins (Pair), "Tikal Treasure"

Lorena Figueroa has always had a penchant for art and a fascination for colors and contrasts. “When people ask me how I got started in all of this, I always tell them the same thing: insomnia! That's because when everyone is sleeping and I don’t. Instead, I create, imagine and design.

"I enjoy filling my products with details and with colors. I am dedicated to my art and my work is distinguished by its originality and quality.

"I am married and I have two daughters. My husband is my greatest supporter – together we have undertaken many dreams. He lets my imagination and creativity run free, and he also knows when it's time for me to get my feet back on the ground!

"When I went to university I began by studying architecture, but I hated maths! When I told my dad I wanted to drop out, he gave me six hours to decide what I wanted to do about my future… and that's how my career in Graphic Design got started!

"I worked with my family for a good few years in a wool warehouse I shared with my mom and sister. I took care of the creative part, fashion trends, etc. I've always been impassioned about Guatemalan textiles and I was scheming up a project with a friend, but she wasn't able to continue due to family problems. In 2008 I decided to dedicate myself fully to my own designs and inspiration.

"I began by painting ostrich eggs, which I transformed into lamps and other decorative items. A year later I decided to highlight my beloved Guatemalan textiles in décor items. I am fascinated by the work that Guatemalan weavers do, I admire the infinite ways in which they preserve our culture. That's why it feels me with great pride to be able to promote our cultural legacy and help my people.

"I only 'employ' one person, but I work with four artisan families from the Sacatepequez, Chimaltenango and Solola regions. I've known one of these families my whole life! I am very happy to be able to offer them work, and for them to help me with my project. I also work with a fifth family who specializes in different cloth pieces. Most of my products recycle the textiles from huipiles, the traditional Maya blouse or dress, as well as other antique textiles.

"When I first started no one seemed to notice me, so I decided to sign my collections as 'Lorenza Filati.' Lorenza is after my father's name, Lorenzo, and 'Filati' is the Italian term 'to thread.' It's amusing to see how interest grew in my designs after I changed my name!

"Photography is another of my passions, so I make my own catalogs. Anything that has color and screams LIFE inspires me! I'm constantly setting myself challenges, without them I would not be able to continue being who I am. I like to think that nothing is unattainable if you do it with passion and if you believe in yourself.

"Each piece in my collection is intended to imprint with personality and warmth the surroundings that the person buying it intended it to be for. I hope that when you see my collections you'll have a burning desire to buy a plane ticket and come visit my homeland!

"I hope you believe in my dream too."