MARIA DOMINGUEZ

 



Location: Lima, Peru
District: Ate (to be confirmed)
Province: Lima
Region: Lima

I was born on October 9, 1968, in Lima, a city where diverse cultural influences converge and where many artisanal traditions find new ways to evolve and endure.

My journey into craftsmanship began at the age of 24, when I met my husband. Through him, I was first introduced to the world of traditional hat-making, where I started by assisting in the decoration of hats using indigenous elements. What initially began as support soon became a space of learning, curiosity, and creative discovery.

Later, due to my husband’s work, we moved to Huancayo—a region deeply connected to textile traditions and rich in cultural expression. It was there that my path took a more defined direction. My sister-in-law, who specialized in embroidering dresses, vests, and traditional costumes, generously shared her knowledge with me. Under her guidance, I began to understand embroidery not only as a technique, but as a language—one capable of expressing identity, history, and emotion.

Since then, embroidery has become an essential part of my life. What started as learning has grown into a true passion. I deeply enjoy the process of creating with my hands, and over the years I have developed both skill and confidence in my work.

I am especially drawn to exploring new techniques and experimenting across different materials and surfaces, including fabric, felt, and straw. This constant curiosity allows me to evolve my practice while staying connected to the essence of traditional craftsmanship.

Today, embroidery is not only a source of income but also a form of personal expression and fulfillment. I believe in the value of what I do, in the talent I have cultivated over time, and in the importance of continuing to grow and create.

Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing this path—refining my craft, exploring new possibilities, and contributing to the preservation and evolution of artisanal work through dedication, creativity, and love for the art.


OUR POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT

We have built a business model based on the quality of life of our collaborators, starting with fair salary payments. We generates employment cocreating with artists from vulnerable areas of different provinces of the country.
More than 23 popular artists from Ayacucho, Huánuco, Huancayo, Cusco, Pucallpa, Lima and Arequipa are benefited by our teamwork with the craftsmen.

COMMITMENT WITH THE ENVIRONMENT

We have an environmental, health and safety policy that establishes group goals for key environmental aspects. To promote the responsible consumption and to educate our community so they will value the environment as we do. We produce 3 collections a year. We reuse all the waste of our raw material, making accessories or dolls.The materials we use come from sustainable sources, as well as the wastes of deadstock materials from the textile and leather industry.

2025 - 2026 AIDER & NIIBIRI

The main objective is to promote the conservation of the Amazon forests, where families of native communities of the Shipibo Conibo and Cacataibo ethnic groups live, and to contribute to improving their quality of life.
We will achieve this by working hand in hand between NIIBIRI, AGUSTINA, and AIDER, in the development and co-creation of "Products with history", which come from a sustainable management of natural resources, through the Forestry Alliance initiative.