"I always like to include fabrics that are handwoven on traditional looms. This gives a design more quality and also promotes Guatemala's legendary textiles."
"I was born in a town in the highlands of western Guatemala where I grew up with my family. They tell me I've become a hardworking and innovative man and that it's fun to spend time with me.
"I was always a mischievous boy and curious as well. I remember slipping into my father's workshop. He crafted bags. When he saw my interest, he began explaining how he worked and, as I grew older, he let me experiment. By the time I was a teen, I dreamed of having a workshop and a little store where I could sell my own designs. I wanted to improve their quality and fashion sense and, in this way, improve our town's handbag market, where many tourists came to shop.
"When I was able, I set up a tiny workshop of my own where I learned more and more. Then I set up a shop to sell my bags. But a few years ago, sales started to drop and I was worried, because this is how I support my family.
"I tried to make important changes in my designs and to make their quality even better to attract more shoppers. Little by little, sales got better again.
"I use a variety of materials but I always like to include fabrics that are handwoven on traditional looms. This gives a design more quality and also promotes Guatemala's legendary textiles. I use leather but also faux suede and, for shoppers who avoid animal-based materials, I also use jute and other natural fibers.
"I find inspiration in my family, in our traditional Guatemalan clothing and in our cultures. I'm also inspired by challenge of working on my own and bringing home money for our day to day expenses. I hope to make my workshop bigger and better, teach my art to others and to work with passion.
"This is a little bit about my life. I hope you like my work."
