We recently connected with Maria Ortiz and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most meaningful projects to me would be My Heritage dolls collection. And the memorial dolls for those that have lost loved ones . My heritage dolls were created in order to have representation of our many ethnic backgrounds in our Island and skin tones . So that little girls now can see a doll that looks like them and feel included . The memorial dolls are made in a state of peace and respect for the lost and with hope that they will bring a level of comfort to the person that receives the doll .

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started crocheting as a form to quit smoking cigarettes. It became a business in 2016 when people were seeing what I was making and wanted something made by me . I started focusing more on my culture and heritage because growing up we really didn’t have much representation. Especially with my Taino heritage and the erasure that was being peddled over the years , I felt I needed to make a statement by creating my “Da itai’no “ (my family) doll collection to help spread our still existent culture and to help teach our next generation of Borikua children . The My heritage doll collection features Taino , African and Spanish rooted dolls that can be customized to the skin tone that reflects you . I also make custom dolls of other heritages if requested as long as the intended person is of the particular culture . I also have an extensive Puerto Rican collection that includes handmade purses, bikinis, baby dresses, shoes , dolls and much more . What sets me apart is that I know my culture , I respect where I came from and why I do what I do . I put my all or nothing at all. At the same time I try to also teach our new generation that we are still here and need to embrace it . I want my followers to know that everything I make is done with love and the outmost respect.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to have as much representation available for our new generation of Puerto Ricans and Borikuas . To teach that we come in many skin tones and backgrounds and that it is ok . Not all of us look the same and I’m here to help in provide a certain level a comfort for that child that can’t find a doll that represents them .

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The best reward is the smiles on a child face when they open one of my packaged orders and the dolls that comes out looks like them ! The happiness that usually radiates warms my heart and it keeps me pushing to create more for our people .      

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenhookdesigns/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/goldenhookdesigns/
• Other: TikTok @goldenhookdesigns