Hand Crafted Leather Wool Embroidered Belt from Peru, "Huantla Surprise"

"I was born in Lima on October 2, 1976. When I was six, my family moved to Piura for my father's job – he was in the Navy and later in life he turned to farming. I did my schooling in Piura.

I had always admired the ability of artisans who weave, knit and crochet to create unique pieces of textile art. I knew I wanted to work for myself. So in 2008, I began to design and work hand-in-hand with skilled artisans. Combining my work with being a mother has been the greatest challenge of my life.

"Soon after I began, I visited the city of Huanta that had been hurt so badly by 12 years of terrorism. It was incredible to see how the people had picked themselves back up after so much violence and adversity. But the best part was to share their daily life and feel their hospitality and their desire to get ahead through their art.

"I absolutely love being a part of this work, which provides a living for many artisan families and, at the same time, shows the whole world Peru's rich and diverse textile arts from my country's coast and sierra. It's so fulfilling to discover and learn about these traditional arts that have been handed down from generation to generation.

"We put our hearts into each of our designs so that you'll receive an exclusive, quality work of art. When you choose them, you'll be helping many talented artisans."