With over 13 years of experience as an industrial designer — first in corporate and design studio settings, and later as an independent consultant — I've worked extensively in the global artisan sector.
I provided design services for global artisan businesses, wholesalers, exporters, retailers, and international development organizations aimed at preserving craft traditions while generating sustainable economic opportunities and providing market access for artisan communities.
My approach centered on a deep respect for the lineage of craftsmanship and of each region's cultural and socio-economic context. I worked in-country alongside artisan enterprises to design and develop products within their local context. This collaboration allowed me to gain insight into small-scale production's unique challenges while highlighting its strengths. Small enterprises often have the agility and flexibility for exploratory approaches to the design process. This, in turn, adds a distinct voice and value to the broader design ecosystem.
I hope the projects I have collaborated on illustrate a balance between design and artisanship, as well as culture and tradition, each element being equally valued.
APPROACH
Design Services : Concept & Creative direction, Design & Product Development, Art direction and Communication Design.
I have worked in the following countries: Nicaragua, Guatemala, Peru, Nepal, Haiti, China, India, Morocco, Vietnam and Philippines.
DESIGN SERVICES
SUPPORTING ARTISAN COMMUNITIES THROUGH
DESIGN AND MARKET ACCESS
YEAR
2014
OVERVIEW
Chulucanas, located in northern Peru, has a rich tradition of pottery making that dates back to pre-Incan times. The pottery from this region is traditionally crafted using hand burnishing and smoke firing techniques. While working as a designer at West Elm, I explored these methods and sought to expand upon them to diversify the local market and appeal to a broader global audience.
This collection was specifically designed and developed for West Elm’s Handcrafted Artisan Initiative.
COUNTRY
Peru
PROJECTS
YEAR
2016
OVERVIEW
I collaborated with the Creative Director of Flint & Kent, a design and business strategy consultancy, on a project commissioned by Artisan Business Network, a social enterprise empowering Haitian businesses by providing entrepreneurial tools and market access. Our task was to design a cohesive home accessories & lighting collection.
Working closely with various Haitian artisan communities, including woodworkers, stone carvers, and papier-mache makers, we developed a collection that is both aesthetically modern and functional. We aimed to showcase the high-quality craftsmanship characteristic of Haiti's artisan community today.
COUNTRY
Haiti
YEAR
2015
OVERVIEW
Tejiendo Alimentos is a project initiated by the Guatemalan Ministry of Economy as part of the Zero Hunger Guatemala (Pacto Hambre Cero) government initiative. This initiative aims to stimulate economies in regions with high rates of chronic malnutrition by creating work opportunities for women in at-risk households.
I worked directly with local social enterprises and senior advisors of the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala to develop a new brand, Matiox, which is committed to preserving Mayan cultural heritage and fostering sustainable trade opportunities for its network of artisans. I was commissioned to curate 3 textile collections representing over 50 artisan textile communities.
In 2015, the Zero Hunger program represented 27 municipalities across 11 districts, each showcasing its own regional-specific weaving technique. The launch of the Matiox brand benefited 1518 families and debuted at 3 international trade shows where it received 2 awards for best booth exhibition.
COUNTRY
Guatemala
CLIENT
YEAR
2018 - 2020
OVERVIEW
Bloomist is an online home and garden retailer focused on handmade artisan products and a commitment to social impact and ethical supply chain. As the lead designer, I managed the design, development, and sourcing of handmade artisan products from global partners and U.S.-based makers.
As I transitioned into the role of design strategist, I developed a strategic plan for a Supplier Diversity Program, which successfully increased and prioritized partnerships with BIPOC-owned businesses.
COUNTRY
Guatemala, Honduras
YEAR
2019
OVERVIEW
I was commissioned by Apen, an association of producers and exporters of Nicaragua, to conceptualize and develop several new collections of home decor products that showcase the region's rich craft techniques and unique visual language.
I led the creative direction and collaborated closely with artisan businesses across various regions in Nicaragua, collaborating with basket makers, ceramicists, stone carvers, and leather artisans to develop designs onsite.
The project culminated in an event that brought together artisans from 10 regions in Nicaragua to discuss sustainability and the challenges they face when designing for international markets.
The collection was exhibited at the NY Now trade exhibition in August 2019, providing a platform to highlight Nicaraguan craftsmanship and introduce it to new U.S. retail buyers.
COUNTRY
Nicaragua
CLIENT
YEAR
2019
OVERVIEW
MADE51 is an initiative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that connects refugee artisans to global markets. The program began as an extension of the work at the Women's Centers in host countries, where handicraft served as a form of therapy, allowing women to come out of isolation, bond with others, and be exposed to new cultures.
In collaboration with the Design Director, I designed and curated a capsule collection for two host countries, Egypt and Pakistan, highlighting refugee artisans' unique techniques and individual talents.
Made51 launched a curated collection of marketable artisan products representing 13 host countries at Maison et Objet in 2017 and the Ambiente trade show in 2018 to increase access to European and U.S markets. The pilot program employed 100 artisan refugee women in Egypt and Pakistan.
CLIENT
YEAR
2016
OVERVIEW
The objective was to create a cohesive collection offering an assortment of home decor products in several product categories focusing on traditional Moroccan techniques with a contemporary voice. Partnering with a U.S importer business, Moroccan artisan communities, and business development consultants, I created their brand strategy and established an overall creative vision for the brand. While in the country, I developed products while partnering with a network of artisans and identified new potential partners. I was able to leverage the communities collective talents, designing a collection spanning from Marrakech to Fez. These regions represent various specialities; hand embroidery, handloom weavers, leather craftsman and dye experts.
COUNTRY
Morocco