Pearl Quartz and Lapis Lazuli Jewelry Set from Mexico, "Harmonious Reflections"

"When I was a little girl I loved going with grandpa as he worked in the fields of Guanajuato, because he always had great stories to tell. He would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up, and that question inspired me to dream.

"I liked selling. I enjoyed going to the market with him to sell what he harvested, and I also loved going with mom after school to sell clothes. That's how she contributed to the family's income. So I knew that when I grew up I wanted to go to university, even though my mother's family believed women were not supposed to study. My father's family, on the other hand, did support my decision.

"Dad said that I could go to university as long as I found a way to pay for it, because he couldn't afford it. He only had enough to pay for transport there and back.

"I found a part time job during the weekdays, and at the weekends I worked at my maternal grandparents' shop so I could afford the fees at Celaya's Technology Institute, where I studied Industrial Engineering. I was also fortunate to count on the support of two uncles, who chipped in when I was in need.

"I was also lucky to meet the man who was to be my husband when I was studying. I graduated after getting married, and then I went on to study a Master's degree in business administration. I was working in Silao when my husband gave me the news he was being transferred to Mexico City, and I found out I was pregnant with our second child. I was in the middle of a project at work, so he went first and when the project was finished I asked to be transferred too, but I was refused so I decided to quit so that I could rejoin my husband.

"The transition was very difficult for me, I wasn't used to being a full time mom staying at home. My children are very creative and one day my eldest son asked to make a treasure trunk just like he had seen on the TV, so we got all the materials and had fun making it. My daughter then noticed there couldn't be a treasure trunk without a treasure, so out we went again to get some beads, sequins and foamy and had fun making jewelry and crowns. Obviously my daughter kept the treasure!

"Then my husband got transferred again, to the city of Toluca and I decided to look for a job as it seemed a quieter and calmer place to live, and I found a school that adapted to working moms' schedules. I got a good job in a good company, but now my children were crying because they missed having me around, so I decided to quit and start my own venture. I invested my severance pay in children's toys and educational materials to sell, but I kept thinking of the 'treasure' we had made…

"I bought some quality materials and I made 40 bracelets, which I sold within a week. I had started teaching at Toluca's Regional Tech while still making jewelry and everyone loved my designs so much that I ended up dedicating all of my time to making jewelry. Timing was perfect too – my husband got transferred back to Guanajuato.

"What I like the most about making jewelry is that I am happy! I am impassioned about what I do, and I can balance family life with work. My jewelry is completely crafted by hand, and some of my designs are knitted by hand too. My designs are classic and elegant, intended for the woman who is in charge of her life, likes challenges and is impassioned about life.

"My inspiration comes from life itself, as we are part of it. When I design I imagine women wearing my creations, what they are like, and what they might project by wearing my designs: self-assurance, love, dynamism, passion.

"I know that we will often have small or big challenges we must face, but the one I am proudest of is finishing my studies and deciding to be happy. The first time I resigned my job I was unhappy and dissatisfied with my lot – I thought of everything I had worked for and sacrificed to finish my studies and felt I couldn't develop professionally. Then I lost my best friend and I realized life is too valuable to not make the most of it. I realized we must strive for happiness and truly enjoy all that surrounds us.

"I give thanks to the Lord for putting in my hands a job that enables to keep a sense of balance in my life. I am finally happy with life and with my family.

"I am grateful there are people who value the work of artisans, and hope they are happy when they receive a piece of art, because each piece carries with it a history, and is the work of people that are full of dreams and eager to work to build a more satisfying environment.

"I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Novica and their customers for this opportunity you're giving us, for it is only the first of many dreams I know will come true."