Hand-Painted Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers (Pair), "Zacatlan Flowers"

"I was 15 years old when I started my own workshop, thanks to my father's sage advice. He taught me everything there is to know about this craft, for he comes from a family of ceramists. I was a little boy when I started following dad around his workshop, getting familiar with everything in it, and learning the processes - from kneading the clay, to decorate the pieces and pack them.

"Staying focused on my dream proved to be a challenge. I had to learn how to split my time between learning my craft and being a responsible student. While my friends had fun or simply rested, I was always working.

"Little by little I learned the techniques and honed my skills under my family's watchful eye and enthusiasm. From dad I learned about dedication and responsibility to my work, and from mom I learned about perseverance, discipline and saving. From my dearest aunt Lupe I learned about the love with which one must craft each single piece, and about being consistent with everything I undertake.

"I love the folklore in each piece as well as working with the materials. We strive towards up keeping tradition and the high quality of our work. We only use clay from the state of Puebla and lead free enamels which are tested to ensure our products are safe.

"One must have an in depth knowledge of the techniques and the processes – they require control and discipline. All the preparation is done and supervised at the workshop. We're not only concerned with maintaining our high quality but also with preserving an enthusiastic and agreeable working environment. The way we work differs from other traditional ceramics workshops in Puebla, and I think that makes a difference.

"It was difficult at first showing my work and getting customers to trust me, but with the passing of time and the learned experiences I started earning their trust and recognition. I have learned from my mistakes and now I have the opportunity to let my imagination run wild, preserve the family tradition, and transcend in some way.

"It's exciting when people admire our work, and when they take one of our signed pieces I fantasize about what kind of destiny it will have. I imagine that maybe 100 years will pass and some day someone will find one of my signed pieces and people will learn my name.

"This is what motivates me to continue forward, regardless of the fact that all you hear in this line of work is how artisans are finding it difficult to stay afloat and believe we have no future. I've made up my mind to continue being enthusiastic, believe in my ability to ensure my own future, bet on innovation, and always keep in mind there's a whole world to be conquered."