Women's History Month-The Women Who Make AC Possible: Elvia

There are only three days left in Women's History Month, and we still have lots of women to profile. All month long we've been bringing you the life stories of the women in Ecuador who help make Andean Collection possible, from the lead artisans to those who assist behind the scenes. Today, we travel back to Carlos and Fernanda's hat workshop to chat with assistant artisan, Elvia.

One of Elvia's main tasks is sewing AC hats and fastening ribbons to the final product.

How did you become involved in Carlos and Fernanda's workshop?
My brother worked with them first, and then brought me into the workshop. He taught me the intricacies of hat making, and Fernanda has been a mentor as well. She's always overseeing operations to make sure everything is high quality.

Fans of Andean Collection check out our Lupe, Lola and Del Sol hats during our Cayambe Line launch party.

What do you like most about your job?
I've always had a cooperative spirit, and I enjoy working with everyone in the shop. I also think having a steady job is so important. No matter what kind of work you do, it's important to take pride in it and dedicate yourself to your job.

Hat Workshop

What was your life like before you joined Fernanda and Carlos?
Before, I worked long, difficult hours and had to sacrifice a lot because of my job. Now, I work regular hours, and can spend more time at home with my husband. For instance, now I have time in the morning to fix the house and prepare lunch. My husband sometimes has to travel far for work, so we try to have lunch together every day.

For Women's History Month we've been talking about the role of women in Ecuador. Do you think it's changed over the years? In what ways?
Well, my life is different from my mother's because I was able to attend school and study, and she didn't have that opportunity. Because of that, there's more room for growth in my career.

What is the most valuable lesson your mother has taught you?
She taught me that it's important to pass along good values to your children. She passed along good values to me, and if I stick with her advice and pass it along to my children--it will be good for them too!

Who do you admire most in life?
I admire my mother, because although she had 10 children, she did everything she could to help us. Her children always came first, and she made sure we were able to attend school and better our lives. She gave the best to us.

Books Before Boys: Meet AC Scholar, Sandra.

Andean Collection's Mariposa Necklace has been a hit this season, and today we're going to introduce you to one of the women who helps create this piece, along with many others. Sandra is an assistant artisan in Olga and Cesar's workshop, she is also Olga's younger sister. Along with her fellow assistant artisans, Janneth and Patricia, Sandra is an Andean Project scholarship recipient and plans to pursue a career in natural science when she graduates from high school. According to Chiara, AC's Non-Profit and Environmental Resource Manager,  "Sandra has talked to me at great lengths about how, in her indigenous culture, they value nature. Because of this, she'd like to know more about how nature works so she can help take care of the environment. I met Sandra about a year ago, and her dreams for the future are still the same. Her interest in science is not a fleeting phase, she is driven by a desire to help others and the environment." Chiara interviewed Sandra for this Women's History Month profile.

Sandra studying in her local high school. In Otavalo, girls from the indigenous community wear traditional Quichua clothing as part of their uniform.

Who taught you the trade of jewelry making?
My sister Olga and my brother-in-law Cesar brought me into the workshop and taught me the artistry of making jewelry.

What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy learning about the new colors we use every season.

Sandra helps make Andean Collection's Acai Necklace in Vibrant Multi.

How many siblings do you have?
4 brothers and 4 sisters.

What are your favorite subjects in school? 
I like studying mathematics, but my favorite subject is natural science. I've learned so much about the utility of plants. For instance, I love flowers because they are beautiful, but they can also be used medicinally.

What would you like to do after you finish high school?   
I'd like to learn more about agriculture and how it can help us improve the environment.

After school, Sandra heads to Olga and Cesar's workshop. Here she is walking to a busy scene during our design trip last October.

How has your life changed since you starting working with Olga and Cesar? 
Since working with Andean Collection we have more consistent work, because we're always getting new orders. The workshop has changed a lot too. It's much bigger and more comfortable now, we were a little squished in the previous workshop.

Sandra working alongside her co-assistant artisans, and friends, Janneth (L) and Patricia (R).

Throughout Women's History Month we've been talking about the changing role of women in Ecuador, from one generation to the next. How is your life different from your mother's?
My mother didn't study, and I have the opportunity to study. In general, women have more opportunities now. Also, women can defend themselves against men. If they're facing an abusive situation at home, they can get help. That wasn't always possible before.
  
What is the most valuable lesson your mother has taught you?
To be respected, to be respectful and to share. She also taught me to defend myself against people who aren't looking out for my best interest.

If you have children, what would you like to teach them?
I want my daughters to study and to be successful in life. I want them to stay on the right path and create a future for themselves. I also want them to put their studies first, especially when it comes to boyfriends. They have to prioritize their education and they have to know the boy well before they can go down that path.

Do you have a female role model? 
My sister, Olga. She has taught me everything. To defend myself, to take pride in my work, to be kind and virtuous. She always tells me, "studies and building a future come first, then having a boyfriend. She's taught me so much.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

It's Women's History Month, and throughout March, we've been celebrating all the amazing women who have helped build Andean Collection, and profiling those who continue to contribute to its success. We continue with Ledi and Lilibeth, a mother-daughter team from Christian and Viviana's workshop. Lilibeth was the first to join the workshop, and her mom Ledi joined shortly after. Together, they help create Andean Collection's best-selling items, the tagua bracelets. Ledi has 5 children, and Lilibeth is the second oldest. Through the support of Andean Collection's scholarship program, Lilibeth recently finished a vocational course to become a beautician. Her next professional venture will be a ‘Fomi’ course, in which she will learn how to make birthday and event decorations. Chiara, AC's Non-Profit and Environmental Resource Manager, visited Ledi and Lilibeth and chatted about what its like to work so closely with each other, and their unique take on the role of women in Ecuador.

Ledi helps assemble AC's Classic Tagua Bracelets in turquoise and tomato.

What's it like to work together? Ledi, for you to work with your daughter--and Lilibeth, for you to work with your mother?

Lilibeth: It’s nice, but at the beginning it was hard for me because I had to train my mom and teach her how to do things around the workshop. I got really impatient with her.
Ledi: I'm glad I work with my daughter because I always know where she is and how she's doing. I know she is treated well, and is well respected and valued. Plus, we get along well.

What do you like most about your work?
Ledi: I I like assembling the necklaces and bracelets the most.
Lilbeth: I like sorting the tagua pieces to find the right ones before dying them.

Note: Ledi and Lilibeth work in the ‘armadoras’ workshop, where jewelry is assembled. The other half of the workshop is where the tagua pieces are carved, which is called 'fabricar'.

Over the past year Lilibeth has learned the complicated process of dying the tagua seeds. This is an important step for Lilibeth in her personal and professional development.

Walk me through a typical day for you?
Ledi: Christian and Viviana are flexible with my work hours, so I'm able to work and take care of the house and look after my children. I typically work from 8am to 11am, then I go home to make lunch for the family, and return to work at 2pm and finish the day around 5pm. If there is still more work to do, I can stay a bit longer because my house is just a short walk from the workshop.
Lilibeth: I typically work from 8am to 12pm, have lunch with my mom and siblings, and then work from 2pm to 6pm.

Lilibeth (back), works alongside her co-assistant artisan, Cristina.

Ledi, 2nd from L, helps Viviana pack up the Riverbed Bracelets in lime.

What are your thoughts of the role in women in Ecuador? Do you think it's changed over the years?
Ledi: The truth is, my life is not very different from my mother’s. The only major difference is that my dad hit my mother. My father had a drinking problem and was very abusive, whereas my husband is much better. Otherwise my life is very similar to that of my mother, my main role is to take care of the house and the children.
Lilibeth: A lot of things have changed, like women being able to work and defend themselves, but machismo still exists here unfortunately.

Viviana's grandmother Barbara Jesus Sanchez, Lilibeth and Viviana's mother.

What is the most valuable thing your mother taught you?
Ledi: To cook, to wash and look after the children, basically how to be a good house wife.Lilibeth: To respect others, and to demand respect for yourself. She's also taught me a lot about perseverance.

Do you have a female role model?
Ledi: my mother, because she taught me how to be a good house wife.
Lilibeth: I don’t have female role models.

Mad Men gets a fair trade makeover

After a year and a half of anxious anticipation, Mad Men Season 5 premieres tonight, and I plan to be glued to AMC at 9pm sharp. Aside from the riveting plot lines, gorgeous interior styling, and Don Draper, I love watching Mad Men for the fashion. From Betty's flowery frocks to Joan's bold up-do, Mad Men is a treasure trove of vintage style. Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers have already designed clothing inspired by the series, and I think it's time for a fair trade makeover.

#1 Don Draper 

photo courtesy of AMC

 Looking handsome as ever in a classic fedora. Lets add some fair trade glamour to his wardrobe with AC's Lola Hat in soft gray:

#2 Joan combines fashion and function with her shimmery pen necklace.

photo courtesy of AMC

Now that Joan has quit the secretary business, we'd like to see her support an important cause by wearing Falling Whistles' limited edition Gold Whistle Necklace.

 Although she battles inner demons, Betty's impeccable wardrobe projects poise and charm.

photo courtesy of AMC

 Hey Betty, trade in that necklace for AC's take on a strand of pearls, the acai rope necklace in natural.

Now what Peggy's an independent career woman, she can take risks in her wardrobe.

photo courtesy of AMC

We'd love to see her wear this bright Mata Traders' dress to the office.

 You can never separate Roger Sterling from his bourbon and martini lunches.

photo courtesy of AMC

 So we figure he could use this gorgeous Mahogany bar designed and handcrafted by Abel Rios.

 Enjoy the show!

 

Women's History Month: Ecuadorian Cooking with Anita

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.

Anita

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!

Nancy and Carlos' bustling kitchen.

Now THAT's a pot

Lunch at Nancy and Carlos' home workshop, spring design trip 2011.

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.  

Meet Zoila: She taught her son everything he knows.

There are just 10 days left of Women' History Month. We've profiled so many of the amazing women who have built Andean Collection (catch up here) and there are more to come! Today, a conversation with Zoila, the MVP artisan in Carlos and Fernanda's hat workshop. Zoila is Carlos' mother, and not only does she assist her son and daughter-in-law, but she started the hat making workshop and storefront. Zoila, along with her husband, taught Carlos the art of millinery when he was younger. Carlos and his wife Fernanda took over the family trade and continue to make hats and  innovate the business.

Zoila in Carlos and Fernanda's hatmaking workshop.

Zoila remains an integral part of the workshop. "Zoila looks after the welfare of everyone in the workshop," says Cristina, AC's Production Coordinator. "Every morning she prepares breakfast for all of the assistant artisans. If a clients are traveling from abroad to visit the workshop, she'll host them in her home."
Cristina recently stopped Carlos and Fernanda's workshop to interview Zoila.

Q&A
What is your role at Andean Collection?
I help make the Lola, Lupe and Del Sol hats. I work with felt and straw. 

Some of Zoila's handiwork. The Del Sol Hat

Lola Hat in fuschia

When did you enter the hat making trade? Who taught you?I actually learned when I was a young girl. My uncle was a milliner and he taught me how to make hats.

Carlos is your son, do you have other children?
I also have a 12 year old daughter named Isabel. She's my little girl, she's with me all the time. 

Zoila's son, Carlos.

What's a typical work day like for you?
In the morning, I prepare breakfast for the entire workshop. After breakfast I delegate responsibilities to my assistants to make sure urgent orders are fulfilled as quickly and skillfully as possible. I also help make our more delicate hats. 

Throughout Women's History Month we've been discussing the changing role of women in Ecuador. Do you think women's lives have changed since you were a young girl? 
When I was growing up there was a lot of machismo. Women weren't allowed to work, and men expected women to take care of the house and the children. Things have definitely changed. It's actually more expensive to raise a family nowadays, so men and women really have to work together. 

Zoila outside the hat shop.

What is one thing your mother taught you that you've passed along to your children?
My mom taught me the value of sincerity. She taught me it's important to be honest and sincere in my work. 

Is there one woman who you look up to as a role model?
Really, I admire all women--especially the women who are dedicated to their jobs and their family and know how to balance both.

Celebrate Spring with Viviana! The woman behind our bold, beautiful bracelets

Happy Spring everyone! We're continue our celebration of Women's History Month, and the arrival of sunshine and color, with lead artisan Viviana.

Viviana and her husband Christian lead Andean Collection's tagua workshop, and have been partnered with the company since its founding. Viviana is instrumental in developing Andean Collection's vibrant color palette for our tagua bracelets. Not only does she dye the seeds, but she also creates the formulas that achieve specific colors. When Andean Collection brings new colors into the line, Viviana is the one who helps perfect the palette. When you're working with a natural material like tagua, this is a very complex process!  "Viviana's attention to detail is incredible, she is able to match colors beautifully,"says Bria Bergman, AC Partner, Director of Business Development and Private Label Design. "Christian and Viviana's workshop is always one step ahead in terms of color and brightness. They innovate with us."

Viviana tests new colorways for the Classic Tagua Bracelet.

Final product! Riverbed Bracelets

Chiara, AC's Non-Profit and Environmental Resource Manager, recently visited Christian and Viviana's workshop, and talked to Viviana about her work, the recent addition to her family, and gender equality in Ecuador.

Q&A
How long have you been working with tagua, and who taught you?
I am self-taught. I’ve been working with tagua for about 10 years and have been dying tagua seeds for about 7 years.

Tagua

You've said that it's important for women to learn a trade, why is that? 
Both men and women have to struggle together to achieve things in life, such as getting a house, raising and sustaining a family. When Christian used to travel to Otavalo to sell our products, I was able to support him. Also, I feel it's important for women to learn a trade so they can have their own income and not have to rely solely on their partner. It's a way for women to protect themselves. If the relationship falls apart, it's important to have a skill set as a safety net. Also, if women have their own income, they don’t allow men to treat them poorly. Some women justify staying with a man for all sorts of reasons, he's paying for food, the children need their father, etc; but they don’t need an abusive man in their lives, it’s much better for women to become independent and have some power to say no!

You just had a baby! Tell us about your children...
I have three daughters, Ariana (11), Emily (6) and Kristin (3 months). I love listening to them. Emily is so funny and creative, and Ariana always wants to go shopping!

Christian, Emily (hamming it up), Viviana (expecting!) and Ariana.

Viviana and Kristin.

What's a typical day like for you?Right now I'm busy balancing work and the new baby. Feeding her, changing her, washing her. Fortunately, Ariana and Emily are on school vacation, so Ariana helps watch Kristin.

Do you see the role of women changing in Ecuador?
There is definitely more equality now. Women are able to work, and men can't be macho and control women like they used to. My mother suffered a lot. Her husband didn’t value her and mistreated her. Christian values me. He always brings me into decision making at home and work, and asks for my advice and opinion. We are equals. I hope that my daughters are able to get a good education and become professionals. We will give them whatever they need to make that happen, hopefully they will make good use of it.

What is the most important thing your mother taught you?
She taught me how to gain people’s respect. She also taught me the meaning of work hard and perseverance. She told me not to rely on men. As women, we need our own income and skill set.

Viviana's grandmother (L) and mother (R) lend assistant artisan Lilibeth a hand.

Who is your biggest role model?  
My grandmother is a real role model for me, her name is Barbara Jesus Sanchez and she is very devout. She's lived by Christian principles her whole life, and they are not just empty words for her. She always talks about respect between men and women, to think about people’s feelings, we all deserve respect and love. For example, her husband had an affair and she took care of her husband’s lover’s son. She simply said ‘this child is not guilty of anything, why should he suffer?’ That's pretty selfless!

Barbara Jesus Sanchez.

Final note from Chiara:
Viviana is fantastic, she welcomes so many people into her home and has managed to create a big
network of family and friends around her, which translates into essential support at this crucial
moment in her life, having just given birth to her third daughter three months ago. Like a true coastal
woman from Manabi, Viviana is quite relaxed and laid back, but don’t let that fool you, when it is
really needed she saves the day through her commitment and hard work.

The Realities of Fair Trade: Andean Collection's comments on GOOD Magazine

Back in October, we invited fair trade skeptic and GOOD Magazine reporter, Amanda Hess, to join us on a design trip to Ecuador. I wanted to show Hess the realities of generational poverty and the complexities that are involved in breaking such deeply rooted hardship.

I have worked in many of the poorest countries in Latin America (and have a masters in poverty reduction strategies from Fletcher School at Tufts) and have seen firsthand many well-intentioned projects that are supposed to help the poor, fail. The reason they fail is often because people do not understand generational poverty (i.e. poverty that has existed for generations and often impacts most members of a community), and the impact that such deep-rooted hardship has on the mentality of entire communities.

GOOD Magazine reporter Amanda Hess interviews Chiara Gerlich, AC's Non-Profit and Environmental Resource Manager.

Here at Andean Collection we are seeing this generational poverty come to an end for the first artisans we worked with. I attribute this success to a combination of interrelated factors:

1. We are able to provide them steady income, so that they can begin to think about the future instead of where the next meal is coming from.

2. We provide business trainings so that they learn skills necessary to operate as contributing members of the economy.

3. We provide trainings on fostering productive behavioral change, such as conflict resolution, nutrition and health and safety, so that these changes are passed along to their children and to their neighbors. It has started with our original artisans and we intend to see this path to prosperity followed for all our artisans.

This is a simplistic recap of a very complicated situation, but I hope that it gives you an idea of how it is possible to emerge from such poverty.

Lead artisan Luz Mila, whose scarf and belt making workshop was mentioned in GOOD Magazine.

Now did we convert Amanda Hess to a fair trade die-hard? Maybe not – but I think we exposed her to a few things about the hard realities of working in developing countries and she brought up some intriguing points about the complexities of ethical shopping in the article. We’d like to continue the discussion with you here.

Andean Collection is a proponent of transparency and welcomes more journalists to come down to Ecuador with us formulate their own opinions on the efficacy of our work!

You can read the full article in GOOD Magazine here.

Redactions

There are a few opinion statements in the article that we don’t agree with, but then what is freedom of the press without opinions? No blame to the author – with so many facts and figures flying around, it would have been very difficult to get it 100% correct.

The following is what has been redacted:

1. The lead artisans of Andean Collection now lead a middle class lifestyles and make many times over the minimum wage. (Article says lead artisans make “minimum wage paychecks” p 35)

2. Andean Collection does not, and will never produce any rabbit fur products. (pg 35)

Discussion Questions:

*We’d like to continue this discussion here on our blog. Or if you have a comment you’d like to make to me personally, please email me directly at Amanda@theandeancollection.com

1. We showed Amanda Hess how our artisans used to live, without bathrooms, potable water, beds, kitchens, and how they live now that they can afford cars, food, and peace of mind. Is the enormity of this change evident in this article? The article does not discuss the tremendous impact that these families emerging from poverty has on an entire community. How important is the secondary impact of non artisan community members benefiting from the artisans increased spending habits. Should we look for more evidence of this secondary impact, or as consumers, are you more interested in stories about the direct impact in the lives of our artisans?

Olga's house in 2009, 6 months after she and her husband Cesar partnered with Andean Collection. This photo shows the two additions to they had just made to their home.

2. I was quoted saying, “Obviously, children working is not good, but an entire family starving is a lot worse.” What do you think about that? Ethically (all legality aside) is it acceptable for a child to work if the alternative is a family going hungry? Andean Collection has a zero tolerance policy for child labor, and none of our pieces are made by children. However, the ethics surrounding child labor are a lot more complex than the laws.

Patricia (16) Cesar's sister, AC assistant artisan and Andean Project scholarship recipient.

3. The article brings up the difficulty of sourcing sustainably harvested tagua. Andean Collection is working on a supply chain project, in collaboration with the German Development Fund in Ecuador, to continuously trace our supply chain and to determine exactly how often tagua can be harvested without doing harm to the trees. Currently, there is very little scientific knowledge on this subject, but we work with farmers to use their knowledge to do the best we can as we carry out our own scientific study. As our customers, how do you define sustainable? What information do you want from us so that we can be transparent in our operations?

Christian and I visiting one of the tagua farms we source from.

4. The article states, “Scaling up means fewer Olgas will be elevated from grain pusher to jewelry designer. Instead, more established artisans will become a little bit more established.” I disagree and think that statement underestimates how economic change begins. As Andean Collection grows, we will need more artisans to create our accessories. The higher than average wage we pay the artisans will put upward pressure on wages in non-Andean Collection workshops in the area. This in turn should encourage non-artisans (such as grain sellers) to perhaps become jewelry designers, if it is a higher paying position. Do you agree with my position? Or do you think that scaling up with have more drawbacks?

Nancy's adorable daughter, Huayra.

5. We are committed to working with both new and established artisans. Currently, as part of the supply chain project mentioned in #3, we are seeking out communities in the Amazon who have never previously had access to the markets in Quito, never mind in the U.S.. This spring we will begin to train them and design a collection of products that can be made within their skill level. At an earlier stage we would not have been able to invest in a project like this, but as we are scaling up, we are able to use our resources to reach further into the neediest areas of the country and ensure that we are continuing to support artisans at all levels of the trade. How important to you is that Andean Collection continues to expand to the neediest population? Or do you see equal benefit of us raising the living standards of the low/middle class artisans to support the economic health of the communities overall?

Women's History Month-The Women Who Make AC Possible: Anita

Today marks the midpoint of Women's History Month. Throughout March, we've been celebrating all the amazing women who have helped build Andean Collection, and profiling those who continue to contribute to its success. We continue with Anita, an assistant artisan at Nancy and Carlos' workshop. Anita is currently attending high school with the help of an Andean Project scholarship. She may be the youngest artisan at the workshop, but she is serious about her craft. According to Cristina, AC's Production Coordinator in Ecuador, "Anita is so charming and funny. Her energy uplifts the entire workshop. Because she's the youngest, she tries even harder to make her necklaces as perfect as possible." Cristina sat down with Anita to chat about her life before working with Nancy and Carlos, and her plans for the future.

Anita helps make one of Andean Collection's most popular designs, the Cascade Necklace (visible behind her)

Q&A
How did you learn you trade? Who taught you?
Nancy explained the whole jewelry making process to me, with great patience I might add. Overtime I became more skilled, and now I can make any design--necklaces, earrings, bracelets.

A complicated design from Nancy and Carlos' workshop, Brooklyn Necklace.

What do you like most about your job?
I like the challenge of it, and I take great pride in the work I do. It also makes my life easier.

Tell me about your family. How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers. My mother is a homemaker, and my dad sells artisan goods.

How has your life changed since working with Andean Collection?
My life has changed a lot. Before working with Andean Collection I had to stop attending school and work to help support my family. Now I'm able to attend school, which is the first step toward attaining my lifelong dream of traveling and learning other languages.  Also, I'm earning more money than before so I can comfortably help support my parents and siblings.

Anita joking around outside the workshop with her fellow assistant artisans, Alicia (L), Hector (R), Nancy's son Andres is in the middle

Throughout Women's History Month we've been talking about the role of women, generation to generation. How is your life different from your mother's?
My life is different from my mom's because she has to stay at home to take care of the family, especially my younger siblings. I'm able to work and go to school. When she was my age, women weren't really allowed to leave the house and were often abused by their husbands. Now, women are helping each other, and encouraging each other to strive toward a better life--like what Amanda (AC founder) is doing with Andean Collection.

What is your favorite subject in high school? 
English is my favorite. Nowadays, it's important to know another language. It's definitely a subject that is going to help me a lot in the future. (Note: Anita also speaks the indigenous language Quichua, in addition to Spanish and English.)  

What would you like to be when you graduate from high school?
I would love to become a tourist guide in Ecuador because I love meeting people and visiting new places.

Anita in Nancy's workshop.

What's a typical day like for you?
The only things I have to do during the day, are work and study. I'm a relatively young girl, so I try not to worry about things other than school and work.

What is one thing your mother taught you that you would like to pass along to your children?That women should know how to do everything, from homemaking to difficult work outside the home, because you never know when you're going to have a need for that knowledge. She also taught me to be approach life with joy, and to think on the bright side of things. 

Is there a woman you look up to?
I admire Nancy because she's a business woman who has fought hard to provide for her family, and she's a very kind person. She's a true inspiration, and I'm so lucky to be working with her. 

The Women Who Make AC Possible: Patricia

Andean Collection is celebrating Women's History Month with profiles of all of the women who have helped build AC, in Ecuador and the US. Last week, Chiara, AC's Non-Profit and Environmental Resource Manager, talked with Assistant Artisan, Patricia. Patricia has been part of Cesar and Olga's workshop for the past three years, she is also Cesar's younger sister. She currently attends high school, and is an Andean Project scholarship recipient. Working alongside family members has been a positive experience for Patricia. "Patricia has benefited from having Olga as her sister-in-law and as a role model, because Patricia has witnessed her own mother struggle through an abusive marriage," said Chiara. "Olga often talks to her assistant artisans about self-value, confidence, and how women have to fight for their rights, their life, their children, their work, everything. This is really evident when I hear them speak."

Patricia puts the finishing touches on Andean Collection's Acai Necklace in multi

Q&A
Who taught you the trade of jewelry making?
Cesar, my brother, gave me samples to copy and I used those as a guide to make the products. Olga gives me advice on how to improve the quality of the jewelry, and has helped me develop my skills.

Patricia ties Andean Collection tags onto the finished acai necklaces. Each tag explains the natural material of the necklace, and includes information about Olga and Cesar's workshop.

What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy working on difficult designs because it challenges me to learn something new and expand my skill set. I also enjoy working with friends and being close to my brother and sister-in-law. I'd like to have even more friends at work. (note: you can read about one of Patricia's friends, Janneth, here)

Assistant artisans (and friends!) Sandra (L)  and Patricia (R). Sandra is Olga's sister.  

How many siblings do you have?
6 brothers and 2 sisters. 

What are your favorite subjects in high-school?
Natural sciences and mathematics. I enjoy math because I have a great teacher who explains complicated mathematical concepts clearly.  I like science, because I enjoy learning about the planet, nature and the environment. I just love learning about how the world works. (Note from Chiara: "I met Patricia a year ago and her dream for the future remains the same. Her interest in the sciences in not a fleeting phase. She is driven to help others and the environment.")

What would you like to do after you finish high school?
With God's help, I would like to go to university and study to become a doctor. In this area, doctors are can be far away, and sometimes they don't want to offer help to our community. I want to become a doctor so I can help people, I'd also like to develop new medicine.

Has your life changed since working with Andean Collection?
I feel better now. I used to be a housekeeper, which is a very difficult job. Artisanry is more interesting and more comfortable. Also, my schedule is more flexible. If I have a lot of homework to do I can just ask my brother and sister-in-law to leave work early. Although that doesn't happen too often! 

What's a typical day like for you? 
I attend school in the morning, then I return home for lunch--or sometimes I'll have lunch at Olga's. I help out in the workshop from 2-5pm and then head home to finish my homework.

The acai necklaces are tagged and ready to go!

For Women's History Month we've been talking about the changing role of women, from one generation to the next. How is your life different from your mother's?
It's a lot different. Now, women can work and get an education. We're able to go to high school, we can "be someone", we can defend ourselves, we can teach other how to overcome challenges, we can value ourselves as women. If I have children, I want my daughters to be like me. I want them to study and work, and I want them to know they shouldn't let men dominate or abuse them.

What has is the most important thing your mother has taught you?
To be respectful and kind, to stay on the right path and to work hard. 

Is there a particular woman you admire?
My sister-in-law Olga. She always gives me advice and tells me to value myself. If I need advice on a major problem, I'll go to her. If I'm sad, she makes me feel better. She helps me view life in a different way and encourages me to really think things through, so I won't suffer. She teaches me how to value myself as a woman. She teaches me everything!
(You can read more about Olga's philosophy on women here and here)

Olga, Patricia's sister-in-law, and her brother Cesar.