Black and White Crystal Beaded Saint Benedict Suncatcher - Saint Benedict in Elysium

Artisan Organization: Alejandra Paiz

Country: India

Alejandra is characterized by being a creative, reliable woman totally dedicated to her art. She is an artisan who from a very young age believed in her potential; that same potential that has led her to fulfill her dreams.

"My name is Alejandra Paiz, a Guatemalan artisan born in 1971. From a very young age, art has been my passion. I have always liked to get out of the ordinary, do things as well as possible, going out of my comfort zone so I can exploit my talent even more.

"When I was at school I made a gift for Mother's Day with wooden pallets. My teacher loved it and she gave me very good comments, which made my desire to create grow even more. Years passed and I wanted to learn many more things, which I learned by watching videos and reading articles. By trial and error, I learned even more, and little by little I made more pieces of which I felt proud.

"And so, for 17 years I have had my own business. I have lived many experiences over these years, good and bad, but nothing has stopped me from continuing to fight for my dreams. One of them is being able to employ many women so that they can have the same opportunities to grow and believe in their potential.

"I dedicate my work to my beautiful daughter Marcela; she is my inspiration and my engine to keep going. Today, I am totally grateful and excited to start a new challenge with Novica, who still believes in art and gives that unique space to artisans like me, who seek to progress and continue creating.

"My art promotes well-being, harmony and beauty. Handmade products are much more than an object; they are hours of planning and work. It is buying something that is made with the heart." "