As we've shown this month, Andean Collection works with amazing lead and assistant artisans. Today, we're going to focus on the important women who help out behind the scenes. Anita is Nancy's assistant, and her daily tasks including cleaning and cooking meals for the artisans as well as Nancy's family. Unlike the US, where we tend to grab a quick bite on the run, or eat at our desks, in Ecuador, lunch is an opportunity for the family to gather together. In Nancy and Carlos' home workshop, lunchtime starts when their children, Keyli and Andres, return from school. Preparing a meal for upwards of ten artisans, as well as family, is no small feat. Fortunately, Nancy and Carlos have Anita to help out.
Cristina, AC's Production Coordinator in Ecuador, chatted with Anita about how she learned to cook, and how her life has changed since she started working with Nancy.
When did you start cooking?
I started cooking when I was a very young girl. I used to help my mother in the kitchen, and it has been something that I've always loved to do.
What do you like most about your job?
I love it when everyone enjoys a particular dish I’ve made. It’s really satisfying to prepare a meal that everyone likes!
Do you have children?
Yes, I have two boys. Abel, who is 8, and Josue who is 6. I had Abel when I was 16 years old.
Has your life changed since you started working with Nancy and Carlos?
My routine has changed a lot since I started working with Andean Collection. Before, I didn’t have my own income and I had to depend solely on my husband for financial support. Now I earn my own money, and I can use it to buy things for my children and the home. Also, I have a job that I enjoy and I’ve made lifelong friends who i can count on here.
Throughout Women's History Month we've been exploring how the role of women has changed in Ecuador, from one generation to the next. Do you see it in your own life? Is your situation different from your mother's?
My mother’s life was very difficult because my father abandoned us. She had to work extremely hard to support the family. She worked in farming, tilling land. For me, my life isnt as difficult because my husband and I share the workload.
What is one thing that your mother taught you that you've passed along to your two boys?
My mom always pushed her children to become something in life. She didn't want us to suffer like she did.
Is there a woman in your life who you look up to?
I admire my mother because she dedicated her life to her children, and sacrificed so much for us. Even though we're out of the home, she still looks after us.
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| Anita |
When did you start cooking?
I started cooking when I was a very young girl. I used to help my mother in the kitchen, and it has been something that I've always loved to do.
What do you like most about your job?
I love it when everyone enjoys a particular dish I’ve made. It’s really satisfying to prepare a meal that everyone likes!
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| Nancy and Carlos' bustling kitchen. |
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| Now THAT's a pot |
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| Lunch at Nancy and Carlos' home workshop, spring design trip 2011. |
Yes, I have two boys. Abel, who is 8, and Josue who is 6. I had Abel when I was 16 years old.
Has your life changed since you started working with Nancy and Carlos?
My routine has changed a lot since I started working with Andean Collection. Before, I didn’t have my own income and I had to depend solely on my husband for financial support. Now I earn my own money, and I can use it to buy things for my children and the home. Also, I have a job that I enjoy and I’ve made lifelong friends who i can count on here.
Throughout Women's History Month we've been exploring how the role of women has changed in Ecuador, from one generation to the next. Do you see it in your own life? Is your situation different from your mother's?
My mother’s life was very difficult because my father abandoned us. She had to work extremely hard to support the family. She worked in farming, tilling land. For me, my life isnt as difficult because my husband and I share the workload.
What is one thing that your mother taught you that you've passed along to your two boys?
My mom always pushed her children to become something in life. She didn't want us to suffer like she did.
Is there a woman in your life who you look up to?
I admire my mother because she dedicated her life to her children, and sacrificed so much for us. Even though we're out of the home, she still looks after us.
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