Born in Mitla, Oaxaca, Guadalupe inherited her mother’s talent for the craft of textile. Guadalupe’s inspiration is her devotion to culture. Through her work, Guadalupe hopes that each person that wears her clothing carries a sense of pride, showing off the richness of their heritage. In her words, “Every design is as unique as you are!” She seeks to balance past and present, incorporating her ancestor’s techniques with contemporary fashion, celebrating her designs’ essence and beauty in everyday life.

Guadalupe’s work was featured at Elevate: A DisArt Fashion Show, part of an internationally recognized art competition in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Grand Valley State University, and other cultural events across the Eastern United States.

Rodrigo origins lie in San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Oaxaca, where his parents Pedro Hernández and Josefina Quero pioneer the art of textiles. From a young age, Rodrigo developed his natural talent towards textiles, learning as much as he could about the craft from his parents. Later in his life, Rodrigo enrolled in classes for couture in order to perfect his technique, one that continues to be prevalent in his clothing line, “Cocijo.”

Rodrigo’s work is recognized on a global scale, working with designers from Oaxaca and other nations. He has been featured in documentaries such as, “Vidas Entretejidas” due to the fondness, passion, and dedication found in his work.

Guelaguetza is proud to introduce Rodrigo’s “Cocijo” to the Latino community and the general public of the Eastern United States.

Originally from beautiful Mitla, Oaxaca. Pedro learned to use the loom under his uncle, developing an early love for the craft of weaving yarn. Today, Pedro and Lore have nourished that love by establishing two small workshops, one that houses three looms and the other centers around sewing where Lore is in charge of designing, cutting, and sewing the garments. The two work as a team, providing their children with a better standard of living.

Pedro and Lore ensure that their kids grow with a strong connection to their Zapoteca heritage, and continue to pass the love that Pedro’s uncle had for this noble profession. In their spare time, their children learn to understand the craft with their father. For them, it’s like a game, or a tender dance between their hands and the rhythm of the loom, fingers flirting with the thread. It’s moments like these that Pedro reflects on his treasures, “My family is my life, and there is nothing I would not do for them.”

Sueño Profundo is located in Zaachila, Oaxaca. The workshop is formed by six proud craftsmen of Alebrijes; which are carved wooden figures and amazing miniature pieces of art. Each piece is inspired by the cultural mosaic from Oaxacan indigenous groups. Nature’s elements such as sun, earth, water, wind, and fire are represented on each colorful design.

Each piece takes from a couple of days to months to complete, depending on the design. All alebrijes are hand carved using copal wood –the region’s own natural resource-, polished and hand painted with acrylic paints.

SandyMar workshop is located in Pinotepa de Don Luis Oaxaca. The owners are Marcos Perez and Sandra Garcia. Marcos learned to work with the fruit of the “Jicaro” tree when he was a teenager. They founded SandyMar over a decade ago when he married Sandra.

Each design is inspired from the flora and fauna around the region where they live. Their creations are one of a kind; they hand carve while sitting on their patio and listen the chirping birds and seeing the rabbits playing around.

The ornaments are a screenshot of small coast from Oaxaca, to remind us the beautiful creations of nature and life.