"I would like people to know my history and all the effort I have made. I am from San Cristóbal de las Casas —a city of the Chiapas state—and I came to Uruapan to learn to weave. So that you can get an idea, between San Cristóbal and Uruapan it is more than 20 hours by truck, very far away. I arrived at the workshop two years ago without knowing anything, and here they taught me everything related to looms from scratch. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic I had to return to San Cristóbal, and it has only been a month since I had the opportunity to return to Uruapan to continue learning. I want to learn to weave to bring this idea of looms to my land, to develop it there and give my people a job opportunity, especially to women, who need it most. I want to show them that they can weave, but above all, I want to help them. When there is an opportunity to relax, I like to go out to the parks or squares, and if I have more time I like to go to the Grutas de Rancho Nuevo, the Cascadas del Velo de la Novia or the Tuxtla Zoo. All the southern Mexico is an area surrounded by nature, trees, and rivers. I love that about my city.
"I started weaving 24 years ago, a very close friend taught me how, and from there I really enjoy doing it. Besides that, I like to walk with my family around the lakes and through the landscapes of Pátzcuaro. The weather and quietness of Pátzcuaro are unique. My favorite food is the head cattle soup and for dessert a tres-leches cake. I have a 21-year-old son who works knitting here with me and another 6-year-old who goes to elementary school. I invite everyone to buy and value handicrafts, because they are durable, unique products and there is a lot of work behind them.
"I started knitting from the age of 12 to pay for my family's expenses because my dad abandoned us when we were little. Although I began out of necessity, I really like my job, because they bring me the threads and I create designs and combinations. I have created very beautiful quilts for my house. I like to do things with quality so that the client is satisfied and so do I. Besides being a weaver, I am a musician, I play the tuba in a musical group. My whole family knows some music. In fact, my cousin was the one who taught me to play, and my mother plays the guitar and also sings. I know how to sing too, but I prefer to play the tuba. I also play soccer with my children and I like to go out to the field with my family. Every weekend we go to the hill and to the field to fly kites. I want to move my family forward. My children and my family are everything to me, and that's why I want the best for them. At one point I would like to start a business, have my own looms and do all that I learned since I was little.
"She embodies this through her proactivity and solidarity. For a while, she lived in Mexico City; thus, she wants her children to have great opportunities and a bright future.
"Two of her children, Florina and Alfredo, are also involved in our project. The owner of some of the oldest clothing items in Naupan, Eulalia is so passionate about using her favorite art tool: her sewing machine.
"Since I started this job I have had an excellent relationship with everyone, and we have one hundred percent coexistence. I like working in this company because I also have the administration part. When I have a break, I like to spend time with my 3-year-old baby. I usually take him swimming, and while he has his lesson, I go to the gym. Another thing I like the most is going on a trip with my baby and my parents to the country, for a long time we have wanted to go to Monte Alban, but we have not been able to go. I also have a huge dream: to have my accounting office and travel to the United States where there is a chance of having more clients.
"She spends time with her family and her animals. Her craftsmanship provides some resources so she can be closer to her goal; establishing a clothing business.
"Yet she's always managed to pick herself and stand with her forehead high. She's a strong-willed woman who keeps her mind focused on finding ways to be a better person. In craftsmanship, she has found a place of solace; a space where she can heal.
