BIENVENIDO. The sign that greets you at every airport. As I broke through the storefront displays into the country I immediately discovered Mexican people are exceptionally warm. They open their homes and hearts to you as if it’s in their nature to do so, and you feel it. During a post-covid bout, I was lucky to travel with Obakki to witness these wonderful artisans across multiple regions do what they do best - make - with their hands. In Guerrero, palm is stripped and woven into all kinds of beautiful baskets and vessels. In Querertero, gorgeous woven chandeliers and wall hangings show incredible intricate detail. And in Oaxaca, where all the ceramic magic happens we were introduced to some fascinating characters, including Jose Garcia, a blind ceramacist who’s famously made his wife’s face on a planter for 20 years to remember what she looks like.

Lastly, one of my favorite artistans we encountered is Vivanna, an 87 year old candemaker who has been doing it since she was 16. Everything she makes is by hand. She cares about the craft, and not money and her story is remarkable. Read about her in depth here.

When you see all the heart and soul poured into pieces like this there’s no question that the epitomy of culture is created out of circumstance and often that craft is passed down from generation to generation. To me, this is why Mexico is such a misunderstood part of the world - now run off and see it for yourself!