Bridging Cultures Through Mexican Artistry

The Long Road to Belonging

Have you ever felt that deep ache of searching for belonging, a sense that you're navigating between worlds?

My story unfolds over 20 years, a journey sparked when my family and I moved from Mexico to Paris. With two young daughters (the youngest still a baby) we set out on an adventure that would not only reshape our lives, but also redefine my sense of purpose.

Leaving behind family, friends, culture, and the comforting rhythm of daily life is a profound undertaking. As exciting as expatriate life can sound, adapting to new languages, foods, and even weather patterns presents universal challenges. It demands resilience and a willingness to rebuild.

Yet, for those who navigate the stress of leaving everything behind, like my family and I did across countries and continents, there's an incredible reward: building something entirely new and discovering a profound sense of personal satisfaction. However, through introspection, I realized a persistent feeling shadowed me for years – a sense of "not belonging" – which has deeply influenced the work I do today, connecting the world with the striking artisanal crafts of Mexico.

Expat Chapters: From Parisian Charm to Feeling Like a Ghost in Seoul

Our first expatriation chapter began in Paris, then led us to Singapore, and a couple of years later, to Seoul. In Paris, blending in was possible, at least until I spoke with my "heavy accent." But Singapore and Seoul presented entirely different cultural landscapes. The moment I stepped out of my house in these cities, I was unmistakably a "foreigner."

Everything became an immersive cultural learning experience. I delighted in seeking out local markets and discovering handmade crafts rich in cultural meaning. I can't deny the excitement of that exploration. Yet, there were other days, particularly during our five years in Seoul, where the vibrancy faded. Walking the streets and exploring shops, I often felt invisible, like a ghost. Nobody seemed to notice; I couldn't easily communicate. I felt if the earth had opened up, I would have been swallowed whole, and nobody would have cared. I knew I didn't belong in Seoul, and I knew I likely never would.

As our time in Seoul neared its end, a new opportunity arose through my husband's work in the oil and gas industry. However, we felt a pull to settle somewhere that offered great opportunities for our daughters while also allowing us to finally feel a sense of belonging.

That's when Canada emerged as an option. Without hesitation, we took it.

Being from Mexico, returning to the American continent felt like coming closer to home. The chance to start again in a beautiful, multicultural country like Canada was a "no-brainer" (though adapting to the weather took time!). We've grown used to it now, and more importantly, we began to feel rooted.

New Horizons, New Challenges in Canada

My dream of going out and being perceived as a local finally felt within reach when we moved to Canada. I still have an accent, my husband does too, but our daughters? They pass perfectly as Canadian girls – a true blessing. We found our footing, and Canada became home.

But being happily settled in Canada for over a decade doesn't mean everything has been easy, especially concerning my business ventures. Back in Asia, I had opened my first business with a friend in Singapore, selling authentic handmade silver jewelry from Taxco, Mexico. At the beginning, it was more of a hobby. But wanting to do something meaningful for me, I saw the potential in offering this beautiful product, deeply connected to my roots, in Asia. The business did reasonably well, but we had to close it down for my friend's move to France.

By then, I was already living in Canada. Since the Singapore venture had shown promise, I decided to start again six years ago, under a different name and a new business model: focusing entirely on an online business instead of direct public sales. And voilà, things couldn’t get more complicated, haha.

Redefining My Purpose: Beyond Aesthetics to Soul

When I decided to launch my website, I thought showcasing the product would be simple. The Mexican artisanal crafts I source are beautiful, the quality is amazing, each piece has a story, and they offer a unique alternative for those seeking more than just a mass-produced item. But I couldn't have been more wrong; finding traction has been incredibly difficult. I started getting nowhere. After investing in courses, lessons, and webinars, I realized I needed to shift my approach: I had to learn how to truly tell the story behind the product.

Initially, I thought customers wouldn't care deeply about the product's origin. I focused on aesthetics, design, and beauty rather than its soul. But numerous exercises and workshops helped me understand not just the attributes of the products themselves, but the wonderful story and opportunity inherent in them.

As a native Mexican, the silver town of Taxco isn't just a picturesque destination; it’s deeply personal. Born and raised in Mexico City, just a few hours' drive away, I feel like I "grew up" with Taxco. It always fascinated me: its atmosphere, well-preserved colonial architecture, the myriad silver shops, trinkets everywhere, master pieces all around, charming little cafés, and the amazingly friendly people. It’s part of my cultural heritage.

Purpose Found, But Feeling Lost Again

When my friend in Singapore and I first brainstormed products, Taxco silver came to mind immediately, and for good reason. Yet, I confess, when I started that first hobby-turned-business, I didn't fully grasp the legacy of the jewelry or the profound significance of Taxco and its silver artisans. Later, living in Canada, everything started making sense, and I found my purpose.

However, not long ago, I reflected on how, despite living in Canada and feeling truly blessed here, I still sometimes struggle with that horrible feeling of "not belonging." But the reasons are different now. In France, it was the language barrier. In Singapore and especially Seoul, it was looks and language. Coming to Canada, I thought integration would be easier, and in many ways, it has been. But in terms of my business, I have to admit it's been tougher than I anticipated.

Having the opportunity to vouch for the artisans of Taxco and support their trade has inspired me for years. Yet, I still struggle to effectively convey the message and get the right doors to open for these talented creators.

At the beginning, I decided to promote the jewelry by participating in local markets in Canada. I thought this would be a good way for people to experience the quality craftsmanship in person. My struggles began there. I have a wonderful artisanal product of unmatched quality and worldwide recognition, but when I started knocking on doors, many didn't open. A primary reason? I didn't make it myself.

Then, I faced the obstacle of promoting handmade products from Mexico in a market often focused on "local" or Canadian-made goods. My purpose is noble: to support the artisan community in Mexico by offering their beautiful, high-quality jewelry in Canada and beyond. But let's face it... living in Canada, my message and purpose can get diluted. At the end of the day, I am Canadian, but I'm passionately supporting an artistic community outside Canada.

The Realization: Not Just A Middlewoman but Bridging Cultures

The other day, talking to a friend about my situation, he told me: "Instead of seeing yourself as 'just the middlewoman,' position yourself as a curator, a cultural ambassador, and a storyteller. Your value lies in your ability to discover talent, vouch for quality and authenticity, and make these unique pieces accessible to a new audience."

To tell you the truth, it was an eye-opener. Because that’s exactly what and who I am.

I don’t just "sell" beautiful jewelry. I’m proud of my origins, my country, and what the artisans of Mexico are able to achieve. Too often (more often than less) their incredible work is overlooked or undervalued.

But despite all the obstacles I've been facing, I have a happy story to share. This has to do with an exciting recent project for an interior designer in the US. Months ago, she contacted me through my website. At first, I thought it might be a scam, but after analyzing her messages and researching her, I confirmed she was legitimate. Funnily enough, she probably did the same research on me before reaching out! After all, her pieces are worth thousands of dollars, so she needed a reliable connection and she found one in me.

Finding Talented Hands Outside My Comfort Zone

This project pushed me beyond my usual focus. During 15 years of working closely with the artisans from Taxco and their stunning silver jewelry, this one was different: it required silver décor, not jewelry.

Doing my homework, including reaching out to some contacts in Taxco, led me to an incredible family of artisans in Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán. Cobre means "copper" in Spanish, and this family comes from a town renowned for mastering objects in copper. Interestingly, this family has also mastered silver, to the point of being awarded several times in Taxco itself, Mexico's silver town! That is a great achievement without any doubt. So they qualified perfectly to handcraft the designer's pieces in both pure silver and silver-plated copper.

I have been working alongside this family for months now, bringing those designs to life, meeting rigorous quality control standards set by the US designer. Simultaneously, a profound admiration and respect for the work of these incredible master artisans has grown within me. Working with copper alongside silver made me reflect: my passion goes back to my roots and my deep appreciation for artisanal work, which has always been an important part of me.

More Decided than Ever: Championing Heritage in Troubled Times

Now, I have clarity. I'm not just a "middlewoman"; I am bridging cultures in a troubled time where the global economic order seems uncertain, and collaboration between nations has been threatened, sometimes closing doors on the faces of those who rely on cross-border connections.

I still believe that there are wonderful initiatives and products – embodiments of cultural heritage – that can't just be replaced by "local" efforts, however well-intentioned. Hundreds of years of a skilled trade, heritage, and culture can't simply be annulled or easily replicated elsewhere in the blink of an eye.

This can be a sensitive topic, especially right now. But in my field, where I am striving to build connections between these unbelievable artists and the people who still appreciate their trade, I’m more convinced than ever. I need to find the way to make my voice heard, ensuring these cultural treasures are promoted and valued in their right dimension. It's about honouring the hands that create and the stories they tell.

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