Victoria Ynonan

“My name is Victoria Ynoñan Valdera and I was born in Lambayeque as the fifth of nine siblings.

“I attended school only until I reached the sixth grade because my family did not have the economic means to continue my schooling. After that, I did chores at home and took care of my younger siblings. I’ve always helped my mother with the cotton weaving, which is a legacy from our ancestors. Little by little it became my hobby, and has since become my main activity.

“The tough times in my childhood were due to our financial situation, which has now vastly improved and for which I thank God.

“As a child, I remember creating many clothes from cotton. I learned this art from my mother, who was taught by my grandmother. I now teach other relatives who want to learn and earn an income. My entire family weaves and our schedule is very organized so that everyone has a different task. I design and make clothes using native cotton without dyes.

“We use backstrap looms, and if a design needs it we finish it with a sewing machine. We want the raw materials and the art we create to reach other countries and be valued for all the work and dedication we put into it.”