Comalapa Art Fair Trade Leather and Embroidered Cotton Tote Bag

"I am an honest and sincere man that never gives up. I know how to respect others' opinions, regardless of their age or condition, and I work on things that mean a challenge to me. It helps me be a better person.

"It all started for me when I was a little boy and I wove a wool rug – dad was so proud of me that put it on sale. He never imagined I'd want to become a weaver, but as time passed by, life revealed to me many different opportunities. I was born in Totonicapán, but when I was 12 years old we all moved to the Sololá region searching for better quality materials for our work.

"I've always dreamed of having my own business, and so I started working at a handicrafts shop. My dad and granddad gave me some merchandise and with that I was able to open my own little shop with the help of my loved ones. Buying things to sell became very expensive, and that's how we came about the idea of doing it ourselves.

"Little by little we got the equipment and tools that we needed and we soon realized we had made the right decision.

"One of the men working with us taught me how to make the bags, and though the first one I ever made wasn't that nice, I didn't give up. Through hard work and perseverance, I was able to make the bags the way I wanted them to look like.

"Just like everyone else, I have faced difficult times in my life, but thank the Lord my family never left me on my own. Work has become my favorite pastime – I never shy away from anything! I love trying difficult things because once I achieve them I know I am better for it. I have probably wasted a lot of materials while I finally do things well though.

"I started making fabric bags, and then I got the idea of trimming them with leather. I also try to use recycled materials, like the sacks for coffee beans. I usually make cloth samples first as I test new designs and once I've made clear cuts, I proceed with the leather. Our textile bags are designed to reflect aspects of our ancestral culture, as well as from today’s fashions.

"Today I work with my wife and oldest son, and we love to look after our clients and share with them our creativity, as well as our kindness like the true Guatemalan people that we are. The foreigners that visit us always comment on the quality of our natural materials and they are always appreciative of the hand crafting process.

"Family is the most important thing to me – always has been. They taught me about working hard, persevering and being dedicated wholeheartedly to what I do, and this has helped me become my own boss and be impassioned about what I do. I lead my life offering the world my God-given talents.

"I would like to invite you to see our products on the Novica website. I hope you come to Guatemala and discover the wonderful handicrafts that we make."