Hand Crafted Leather Wool Embroidered Belt from Peru, "Huantla Surprise"

"I was born in Lima on October 2, 1976. When I was six, my family moved to Piura for my father's job – he was in the Navy and, later in life, he turned to farming. I did my schooling in Piura.

"I consider myself to be a perseverant woman, constant despite the difficulties. I'm creative and have a vocation for service that comes from my heart.

"Both in my personal life and in my work, I've had some difficult moments. But even so, I've been able to learn from them and this has helped me stay afloat. And I feel this has enriched me as a woman to continue facing the obstacles in life.

"I began working in textiles when I realized I was tired of working for others. I majored in business administration but, in 2007, I decided to leave the comfort of a secure office job to seek my dreams and passions. I wanted to do something that set my heart racing, something I truly loved. And so, I set out to become independent, to be my own boss.

"I had always admired the ability of artisans who weave, knit and crochet to create unique pieces of textile art. I love the beauty of their work and the way it incorporates the meaning of each region and area of the country.

"In 2008, after much research and travel, I began to work hand-in-hand with skilled artisans who create handcrafted items. Working for myself over these years has been a wonderful journey. They've been filled with learning experiences. I've made mistakes, too, but they helped me understand and respect the customs of the artisans who collaborate with me. And this lets me contribute to growth and development for them and their families.

"Soon after I began, I visited the city of Huanta that had been hurt so badly by 12 years of terrorism. It was incredible to see how the people had picked themselves back up after so much violence and adversity. But the best part was to share their daily life and feel their hospitality and their desire to get ahead through their art.

"I love what I do. I enjoy learning all the knitting, weaving, crochet and embroidery techniques and I'll continue working with them. For me, part of this work is giving a better lifestyle to many artisan families. At the same time, it lets me show the whole world Peru's rich and diverse textile arts from my country's coast and sierra. It's so fulfilling to discover and learn about these traditional arts.

"What motivates me to keep going is learning and discovering the value of Peru's textile art. It has been passed from generation to generation, and continues today so that we can share it with new generations and show it to the world.

"For the future, my hopes and dreams are to continue developing as an artisan with my handbags that are functional yet enhance the look of many women in the world. We focus on sharing our history and ancestral textile traditions. I've had the opportunity to visit outlying villages in provinces such as Cuzco, Ayacucho and Cajamarca, where I was able to connect with artisans and learn their stories. We convey these stories to the world.

"What I enjoy most is fusing the textile arts of our ancestors with today's fashion trends. To adapt urban style to our embroidery or weavings done in traditional materials.

"I've shown my designs in trade fairs like PerúModa as well as in stores throughout Peru.

"My greatest challenge in life has been to create my own collection of accessories, being a mother and making a success of my endeavor.

"We put our hearts into each of our designs so you'll receive quality accessories. When you choose them, you'll be helping many talented Peruvian artisans to make their work known for its excellence and exclusivity.

"We put our hearts into each of our designs so that you'll receive an exclusive, quality work of art. When you choose them, you'll be helping many talented artisans."