Elena Herrera

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I was born in Alajuela, Costa Rica, and I work with blown glass and art glass. In 1991, I was studying and I wanted to find a part-time job to pay my tuition. I was fortunate to meet a foreigner who taught me to work with glass.

"I found a business that focused on glass, and was able to get a job there. The process was filled with challenges. I had many companions at work who were laid off because they couldn't master the craft. I was astonished to find I was the only employee they kept on.

"That's when I realized I'd been blessed with a special gift. May people recognize my work and I'm able to craft it without tools. I decided to begin creating my own designs.

"Little by little, I became skilled as an artisan. It wasn't easy because, when you work in a business, it's tough to start out from zero to work on your own. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find clients of my own. But the opposite happened.

"I make each design a special one. No molds are used to craft them so, if I make 100 alike, no two are ever identical and each one has something that distinguishes it.

"My dream is to have a solid workshop that can grow. I also teach as many people in my community that I can, so they can learn the craft and earn an income to support their families. I want to make my country known and show my designs all over the world."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

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