"She describes herself as humble and generous, often sharing food with those in need. Orphaned at six years old, Tomasa credits her older siblings and late father for teaching her essential skills like making tortillas. She began embroidering at around eight or nine, learning from her sister. They would repurpose old clothes for thread and make their hooks from maguey thorns.
The craft has taught her patience and the importance of careful consideration.Her deepest happiness comes from seeing her child healthy and content, and she dreams of a future where he can become a professional and where her family enjoys good health.
"Paula learned to embroider at a young age with her mother, as living on a ranch made this skill essential for women, particularly to have napkins for the tortillas made in the town. Several years ago, she learned the technique of deshilado in a group, which further enhanced her skills. Embroidery has always intrigued her, but as time has passed, she has faced challenges due to her age; her eyesight is not as sharp, and her hands have developed more tremors. Despite these difficulties, Paula's passion for embroidery remains strong.
She plans to use the money from her sales to get her glasses fixed, allowing her to continue doing what she loves. Paula lived in Mexico City four years ago, where she dedicated herself to making wedding dresses, quinceañera dresses, and various other types of garments, running her own shop.
"Reyna is a single mother to Tomás, Michel, and Ramiro. She has lived in Saucillo for 37 years while taking care of her mother, Luisa. Her children and family motivate her daily, and she hopes her daughters pursue careers they love. Reyna takes pride in working hard to support her children, with her greatest hobby being embroidery. She learned to embroider at the age of 10 from her grandmother and mother, starting with her first napkins.
She has always loved embroidering roses and nature-inspired designs. For Reyna, embroidery is not just a craft; it is a way to connect with her grandmother, who shared her passion and even bought her first napkin to start her journey.
"Margarita is a dedicated mother of four children: Lucio, 15, Adriana, 14, and twins Alejandra and Alexandra, 8. Every day, she works hard to provide for her family, and her commitment to them is unwavering. At the age of 17, Margarita developed an interest in embroidery after admiring the beautiful work done by other women in her community. Encouraged by their artistry, she asked her aunt to teach her how to embroider, and thus began her journey.
Through embroidery, Margarita not only expresses her creativity but also brings joy and financial support to her family, enabling her children to pursue their education. She takes pride in combining colors and styles to make each piece unique, hoping that those who wear her creations feel happiness and satisfaction.
"Antonia wakes up every day at 4:00 a.m. to make tortillas to sell in her community. After cooking and cleaning, she cares for her two young children while her husband works in the fields. She enjoys cooking, embroidering, reading, and spending time with her family.
She started embroidering because of her mother and always puts love into her work. Each piece she creates takes two hours or more, filled with care and effort, as she hopes that the person who buys it appreciates it as much as she does.
"Currently she enjoys doing this activity together with her fellow artisans who, together, sell their products at Chiapas.
"I think crafts are the best work because you create from within. Whenever people buy something handmade, it is as if they took something from our land and a little of us left with them. I enjoy being at the loom; I feel that time is flying by, although I also really like being with my family and going out with my friends, with whom I have a soccer team. I am a defender, several of them are also artisans.
"Catalina divides her time between the land and her embroidery. She always finds a moment in her day to be productive and, at the same time, spend time with her family. Catalina is a woman that oozes charisma.