Mercedes Santana

For many years, I have dedicated myself to making toquilla straw purses, a tradition that I learned from my parents when I was only 10 years old. I started knitting as a hobby, before the Internet existed, spending two days creating a single purse. Over time, I perfected my technique, creating more uniform weaves and dyeing straw in vibrant colors to design unique products.

Now, at 48 years old, I continue with this specialty that God gave me, braiding fine strands of toquilla straw with love and dedication.

Each wallet is a work of art that reflects the patience and experience gained over the years. Knowing that my creations will be known all over the world thanks to the EcuadorStores association fills me with pride and excitement. I look forward to receiving many more orders, to continue sharing the beauty and quality of Ecuadorian crafts.I am passionate about this job and I feel honored to take it to the next level, bringing a little piece of Ecuador to every corner of the world.

Lucrecia Mero

Born in the Montecristi canton, Lucrecia, 63 years old, learned to weave fine toquilla straw hats at the age of 14, thanks to her mother. In those days, after the banana boom, the demand for hats was so high that families taught their children this art in order to fulfill orders.

The meticulous weaving process requires a semi-bent posture, ensuring the precision of the hat’s fit, but also imposing significant physical effort. For Lucrecia, this work not only provides the necessary income for her livelihood, but also represents an invaluable cultural heritage.

She passionately expresses: “We must motivate people to continue with this tradition, so as not to let production decline. This profession supports many people who cannot find stable work due to their age.” Mrs. Lucrecia looks forward to continuing to receive orders through the EcuadorStores association, keeping this rich artisan tradition alive and bringing a little piece of Ecuador to the world.

Maria Mero

At 62 years old, affectionately known as Niña María, originally from Montecristi. She learned the art of weaving with toquilla straw fibers at the age of nine, following the tradition of her mother and grandmother, who supported the family with this craft.

María, leaning on the base where she finishes the hats, tells us: “I have always lived in Montecristi, and I have been in the second phase of hat making for 50 years, known as finishing or finishing.” Now, in her senior years, she lives with her son, her daughter-in-law and her two grandchildren, being the fundamental pillar of the economic support of her household.

Thanks to the EcuadorStores association, María hopes for better days, seeing the demand for her art grow. She is dedicated to teaching her family the art of creating these magnificent works, motivating them to keep this cultural and ancestral tradition alive. Niña María deeply appreciates all clients interested in her art, hoping to continue sharing her skill and bringing the best hats to the world, thus preserving the legacy of Montecristi.

Fernando Lopez

Fernando, 55 years old, lives in Montecristi and is in charge of the first phase in the production of Montecristi’s fine hats: the collection of the raw materials. This job, which he has carried out for more than 40 years, is a tradition inherited from his parents, who cultivated large plots of straw in the humid coastal forests.

Fernando goes into the forest to cut the central stem of the plant, shakes it against the ground to open it and then strips it with a piece of beef. The stems are cooked in boiling water for ten seconds, hung to dry and finally smoked with sulfur in wood-fired ovens.

This is the only support for his family and although many in his community are dedicated to the same thing, the income is limited. Straw selected for fine hats sells for $20 a bundle, while toy straw, used for baskets and accessories, sells for $10.

Fernando instills these traditions in his children, hoping that they will continue the legacy and help the home financially. Thanks to the EcuadorStores association, he hopes that his products reach more customers and improve his quality of life, thanking all those who value and support his art.

Luz Maria

Luz María, 50, lives in the Andean region and has dedicated her life to textile art, creating ponchos, blankets, scarves, shawls, hats and backpacks by hand, using alpaca wool. She learned this ancestral craft from her grandmother, who taught her to weave geometric designs inspired by the Andean Chacana cross, a symbol of the Andean worldview.

Each piece begins with the collection of alpaca wool, which is then cleaned, carded and dyed with natural dyes. Luz María weaves each thread with patience and precision, ensuring that the Chacana patterns reflect the cultural richness of her people.

This art is her main livelihood and a legacy of hers that she shares with her children, ensuring that the traditions are kept alive. Thanks to the EcuadorStores association, Luz María hopes to bring her beautiful textiles to a wider audience, improving her quality of life and thanking all the customers who value and support her artisanal work.

Fabian Cobeña

With more than 35 years of experience in creating tagua necklaces, earrings, bracelets and accessories, I follow a craft tradition that has passed down through generations in my family. I am part of a large family with around 30 siblings, many of whom are also dedicated to this beautiful art. I am passionate about designing new and colorful pieces, always adapting to the taste and preference of each client.

If someone brings a specific model, I can reproduce it with precision and dedication. Throughout these years, I have perfected my technique and learned a lot, and at 49 years old, my goal is to continue growing and obtain artisanal recognition.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to display my products on a website, as this will increase work and economic development in my community. Each piece I create is not only an accessory, but also an expression of my history and the tradition of my land.

Alberto Mero

I am a master craftsman specialized in making fiber and wicker pieces, with 20 years of experience in this exciting craft. Born and raised in Montecristi, I have dedicated my life to perfecting this beautiful tradition.

My work is both my profession and my passion, and I enjoy sharing it with the world. Interviews about my work allow me to reach more people and make known the art I make.

Weaving furniture is a process that can take several days, often enlisting the help of a friend to complete the pieces more quickly. In contrast, the creation of portfolios and individuals is a little more agile. Now, thanks to the opportunity to show my works on a website, more people will be able to appreciate the dedication and care I put into each piece.

I am deeply grateful for this platform that will allow my artisan work to be spread and valued.