Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Wright

Esther, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Hilo de Amor: A Thread of Love

I’m Esther Wright, and I grew up in the vibrant city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Although I’ve lived in the United States for over 25 years, Oaxaca remains close to my heart. My passion for helping others and sharing my culture led me to leave the corporate world in 2018 to pursue my dreams.

During a visit to Oaxaca, I discovered beautiful handcrafted tote bags made by inmates striving to change their lives. Inspired, I decided to bring these totes to Oklahoma. My vision was clear: to connect Oaxaca’s talented artisans with U.S. customers who value authenticity and quality.

Hilo de Amor, meaning “Thread of Love,” was born from this vision. Our company offers exquisite textile art created by Oaxacan artisans, transforming lives by providing direct income to these craftspeople. Every purchase empowers Oaxacan families and supports sustainable solutions for their community.

Elevate your shopping experience now and make a difference. Discover the heart and soul of Oaxaca through each handmade item, crafted with generations of tradition and cultural heritage.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The journey hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is technology. I’m not naturally skilled at it, and navigating the digital aspects of running a business has been tough. However, my determination has been a key asset. During the pandemic, I created my website and learned a lot in the process. I turned to YouTube tutorials and other resources to acquire the skills I needed. This persistence has helped me overcome technological hurdles and keep moving forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Hilo de Amor is more than just a business; it’s a mission-driven social enterprise dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, particularly Oaxaca, and empowering the artisans who create our beautiful handmade products. Our vision is rooted in a deep passion for Mexican culture and a commitment to passing on traditions to new generations while sharing the beauty of our heritage with Oklahoma and the world.

We specialize in creating high-quality, handmade, and handwoven products, crafted with utmost care, creativity, and love by our talented artisans. Each piece is a testament to the skill and dedication of the women and men who pour their hearts into their work, ensuring that every product tells a story of cultural pride and artistic excellence.

What sets Hilo de Amor apart is our unwavering commitment to transforming lives. We create sustainable job opportunities for artisans, particularly mothers and fathers, empowering them to provide for their families and break the cycle of poverty. By putting money directly into the hands of the artisans, we foster a sense of security, stability, and peace within the Oaxacan community.

Our efforts extend beyond economic empowerment. We are dedicated to keeping the wonders of Oaxaca alive, ensuring that the traditions and artistry of our culture are cherished and celebrated globally. Through our work, we empower the youth to feel proud of their roots and inspire them to share our beautiful, rich culture with the world.

Additionally, we have incorporated local artists into Hilo de Amor, enriching our offerings and fostering a vibrant artistic community. We believe in giving back, and we actively support our local community through various initiatives and charitable activities.

Hilo de Amor began with a vision to make a difference in the lives of prisoners and has since expanded to benefit numerous communities. We now provide wholesale products, empowering other local, talented women to join our mission. With the support of our community, we continue to grow and transform lives, preserving the essence of Mexican culture while making a tangible impact on the ground.

Join us in our journey to create a brighter tomorrow, where the beauty of Oaxaca’s art and culture is cherished, and where every purchase supports a better life for our artisans and their families.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?

Success, to me, is fulfilling the purpose for which you were created while staying true to yourself throughout the journey. It’s about embracing failures as valuable lessons, learning from every mistake, and continually growing from every experience and interaction. True success is not measured by the absence of failures but by the ability to rise, adapt, and persevere, all while maintaining your core values and integrity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hilodeamor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oaxacawonders?igsh=MXV1djI4OWZiNGNj&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shophda?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Wei-Haas
CREATIVE