Ruben and Gilda Perez

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Our story began in a town near Antigua. Gilda grew up in a home of woodcarvers and I grew up in a family of silversmiths, Ruben tells us. From a young age, I learned the craft of artisan jewelry, as I would watch my father work all the time. When I was old enough, he began teaching me. Gilda, too, helped out in the family wood workshop and also helped her mother sell traditional Guatemalan food in the town's park.

Our parents taught us this art. We began our first steps as artisans while still going to school. I remember we met when we were 16 years old. We were both very young and very much in love, Gilda says with a smile. When we decided to unite our lives, each of us continued working in our specialties. Ruben crafted jewelry and I did carvings but, as time went by, we decided to work together and to set up our own workshop.

Ruben tells us that he has been working with jewelry since 1996 and Gilda has been carving wood since 2002. They now dream of making their sales grow to be able to give their children the opportunity to go to college, to build a house, to improve their workshop and provide employment for others.

Our main inspiration is the legacy our parents left us. They taught us the value of hard work and that art is an expression of culture. This is an invaluable gift. We are also inspired by our own children, as they are a reflection of the effort behind our work. It is thanks to this work that they are learning to love what they do, and to do it better and better on their own, Ruben says.

During our free time, we always try to do something for our community. I like soccer a lot and I enjoy playing as well as attending the tournaments. I also began a soccer school for children. Gilda likes participating in religious activities as well as being a volunteer in the church group.

Thank you for opening your doors and allowing us to be a part of your family. We are artisans who are proud of our country. We work with our hearts, with dedication and love. Thank you for supporting us!

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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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