Adding to basket
In a very peaceful community in the State of Mexico, a small group formed, calling themselves of "El Tallercito" ["The Little Workshop"], which refers to the workshop of one of the members. It is also the place where all of them exhibit their handicrafts. There is a very strong bond of friendship among the members, and they all know that they can count on each other in any situation. In addition to being friendly and dedicated, they are all proud of the place where they live, lush with vegetation and rich in history, because of their indigenous Mazahua heritage.
Reyna is a very hardworking woman, dedicated to her profession and very enthusiastic about her business. She is 36 years old and is married to Erick. Together they have a family of three children who are currently studying, one at the university, another in high school, and the youngest in preschool.
"It has always been my passion to create what I imagine," commented a very excited Reyna. She has worked for ten years at producing handicrafts like embroidery and openwork (a different technique than embroidery that is also done with fabric). At first Reyna usually sold her works only from her house, but the customers themselves encouraged her to open a shop in the center of town so that her creations would become better known and she could increase her sales.
Reyna has made great efforts to achieve her dreams and to succeed. She has already taken several classes in order to improve her technique, and currently her work is very well-known. She also offers other people in the community training in her type of handicrafts. "For me, it is a great blessing to do what I love and also to earn income to help pay for the household expenses and my children's education," said Reyna. Another aspect of her work that fascinates Reyna is attending exhibitions to make her own works known. Her dream is to receive an invitation to participate in larger galleries and to meet other kinds of artisans.
This is the first time that Reyna has requested a loan from VisionFund, and she will use it to buy fabric, fabric paints, and many colors of thread. All of the members of the group are very thankful for the opportunity to receive a loan that will help them boost their businesses. Cecilia will invest in her sewing workshop; Lucía, in the making of bibs; Génove, in selling chicken; and Ma del Carmen and César, in their nutrition club.
*The photograph was taken on the stairs of the town pavilion. Reyna is shown wearing the pink scarf.
In this group: Reyna, Cecilia, Lucia, Genoveva, Ma Del Carmen, Cesar
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer anonymized. View original language description.
