Handcrafted Cotton Blend Patchwork Cosmetic Bag from Peru, "Walk in the Countryside"

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Balvina works with two Peruvian art forms to create her highly-graphic colorful decor and fashion accessories. Growing-up in Ayacucho, she learned the traditional embroidery style of that region from her mother and grandmother. During the Peruvian reign of terror, her family fled to the mountains around Lima where she learned arpillería, the traditional Andean form of applique. Balvina often incorporates both embroidery and applique into her work, creating unique contemporary designs with traditional techniques.

Balvina is an artisan in the early stages of growing her workshop but one with the mindset to succeed. She thinks of herself as an entrepreneur and has moved from needing help to helping others. Although she does not yet have any full-time helpers, she hires other artisans in her community to help her fill her orders.

When Balvina began to work with Novica, she was cleaning houses to survive. Now she is able to earn a living from the art she loves. She is able to provide for her son. A steady income has brought her a sense of empowerment and a bright future no longer seems a distant dream.

Balvina has tried to have her son's father help with the cost of his education but he refuses. She struggles to cover the costs of her son's schooling and is deeply committed to paying for his education on her own through the sale of her wood crafts..

Balvina Huaytalla has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $300 and the most recent for $300. Proceeds were used to build up her stock of fabric pieces for her patchwork.

Balvina was recently interviewed for the Peruvian television show "Mujeres Empresarias." She confesses that she is still too shy to watch her own interview.

Balvina's work was featured in a recent Novica catalog. The resulting sales led to her hiring several part-time workers to help her complete her orders.

Balvina is a single mother and is determined to give her son her best.