Saeda Portillo

Artisan Organization: Saeda Portillo

Country: Central America

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Saeda Portillo, a Salvadoran artisan designer. From my childhood, I've embraced life with enthusiasm, even during challenging times like the final offensive of the war in El Salvador in 1989. Thanks to the love and support of my family, I've learned to be perseverant and creative.

"My passion for handicrafts led me to study Artisanal Design at university, where I learned ancestral techniques from our country, such as working with clay, natural fibers, jewelry, natural dyeing, papier-mâché, textiles, wood, among others. My greatest mentors have been master artisans, who generously shared their knowledge, encouraging me to experiment and seek sustainable raw materials to present new design proposals.

"Since 2008, I've been teaching young people and women design methodologies, which inspired me to start working my craft. It has been an incredible journey, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally.

"My dream is to continue growing to where I can share and teach everything I've learned throughout my life, working and teaching with artisanal processes that are part of my country's history and are also kinder to our environment. It's crucial to remember that in today's world, we must also give our best to the planet because it needs us, and it's something we owe to it.

"I want my customers to know that behind each of my products, I am giving my best to create handmade items, using ancestral techniques. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work. I am thrilled to share my passion for handicrafts with all of you.""