"My mother-in-law taught me to knit at age 15, but I also wanted to learn a profession, that's why I entered the workshop to learn how to weave on the chicotillo loom. Sometimes you don't have time to learn new things, but it's always good to open yourself up to new opportunities. For me, being an artisan is a privilege, not everyone has the opportunity or the time to dedicate themselves to what they like; I feel lucky. I have been a leader in the municipal government, and I really like contact with people and leading projects. I am very passionate about helping people, that is why I would like to set up my own workshop and set it up in my hometown. That's my dream, so I can create job opportunities and put my town on the map. I think that we must have determination in our dreams. My mother-in-law taught me to knit at age 15, but I also wanted to learn a profession, that's why I entered the workshop to learn how to weave on the chicotillo loom. Sometimes you don't have time to learn new things, but it's always good to open yourself up to new opportunities. For me, being an artisan is a privilege, not everyone has the opportunity or the time to dedicate themselves to what they like; I feel lucky. I have been a leader in the municipal government, and I really like contact with people and leading projects. I am very passionate about helping people, that is why I would like to set up my own workshop and set it up in my hometown. That's my dream, so I can create job opportunities and put my town on the map. I think that we must have determination in our dreams. My favorite hobby is being with my children. We enjoy spending time with family, we like to go to the fields and cut the corn, water the cornfields. My favorite hobby is being with my children. We enjoy spending time with family, we like to go to the fields and cut the corn, water the cornfields.

"I was born next to a lake that is now about to dry up. I still remember that when my parents had a good sales week, they would take us swimming and buy us ice cream. Tourists have stopped coming to our town because the lake is getting drier and drier and we have had to look for new sales channels so we do not lose our artisan tradition. I dream of being able to continue knitting to take my daughters swimming and that when they grow up they will have the same love that I have about doing crafts and the same desire to save our lake.

"She learned 'pepenado' embroidery at the age of 13, inspired by her mother. Later, she joined a group of artisans, where she expanded her skills, learning macramé, bridal dresses, and other types of lacework. She loves being part of a community, as they all support, teach, and inspire each other. Her biggest dream is to continue creating crafts to prevent their traditions and customs from being forgotten.

"What I like the most is telling stories because I can transmit feelings, culture, knowledge. The most important thing is that I can learn from everyone. Before entering the world of looms I worked as a reading promoter. I brought written and oral culture to the most hidden regions of Oaxaca. I really liked that job because I talk a lot – I am a parrot, I can talk to everyone. When I first arrived at the loom workshop it was impressive, I had never been able to be in front of a loom. When I saw how the crafts were made it was wonderful, it was a whole universe. I came in and saw the looms and then the artisans began to weave and it felt great, I was very excited. Now I think it’s nice to know that not only stories can be told, they can also be woven. In the beginning, I was a storyteller, and now I feel I can weave them. Handcrafted goods are stories that can be seen and touched.

"My brothers and I are the third generation of weavers. Since we were children we were involved in the business, I grew up among the looms. I studied Public Accounting and when I finished I had to choose between dedicating myself to textiles or exercising my career, but I preferred artisan textiles because it is something that I enjoy a lot. I also love being a seller. I have my textile shop. Before, I thought I was good at selling but lately I feel that not so much anymore, age is hitting me, sometimes I easily lose patience with customers but I hope to regain that gift I had for selling. Also in my free time I love to read, I enjoy it a lot and I read everything. My favorite book is ‘The Little Prince’. It is a simple book with a very beautiful message.

"The workshop owner began to give me part-time work because in the mornings I was going to college, so in the afternoons he would come to help me make curtains and little by little I started liking all about handcrafts, I get very excited to see how the fabrics are made and realize that I am the one who makes the pieces, it is very satisfying for me to work here. Normally when I finish work I like to get home and watch movies. My favorite ones are romantic and action movies. I also like to play with my dogs and take care of them. On the weekends I like going out to eat with my husband and on Sundays going to church. I studied accounting, so I would like to take up that part once we have our workshop well established. I would like to work as an accountant without neglecting the world of crafts.

"In her case, she partakes in both and alternates depending on the season. In other instances, she has worked in the city, alongside family members. Currently, she prefers to live with her family, who are delighted they can enjoy her cooking daily.

"When I was in high school I wanted to work to help out at home, so I met a friend whose family had weaving workshops and they told me I could enter as an apprentice. They taught me to weave there and I worked for a long time in that workshop. I like to be at home and play video games with my friends, but beyond that I have always worked hard to help out at home, to buy our things. Now I pay for my studies and that is my main objective: to finish high school, but I would like to continue studying forward. I have a lot of determination and I achieve what I propose. Another dream I have is to buy a motorcycle and then I would like to have my own house. I have to work hard to fulfill my dreams, we must have clear goals and fight for them.