We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cayetano Talavera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cayetano below.

Cayetano, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I currently host bilingual natural dye workshops, which I find very meaningful. My passion for natural dyes comes from the connection with the process. It involves taking materials like avocado pits, usually thrown away, and using a slow extraction process to produce a stunning pink dye. This experience resonates deeply with me because it embodies the essence of resourcefulness.

My humble upbringing greatly influenced my approach to artistic practice with a resourceful mindset, which taught me to think outside the box when faced with challenges. I’ve been innovating tools and techniques from a young age, understanding that not all solutions require new tools.

Through these workshops, I encourage resourcefulness within my community. I want to introduce individuals to the natural dyes and fibers world and inspire a connection with the materials around us. The workshops celebrate repurposing and reimagining the ordinary into something new, whether it’s by extracting dyes from foraged leaves, homegrown flowers, insects, or even food waste.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Cayetano Talavera. I am a fiber artist, minimal-waste fashion designer, and the creative force behind HECHO BY CAYE, based in Los Angeles, California. With a commitment to conscious fashion, my journey into sustainable design was shaped by my humble upbringing, where I discovered the importance of resourcefulness.

My educational foundation was laid at California State University Los Angeles, where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Textile and Fashion Design. During this time, I became aware of the environmental impact of the garment industry. This realization inspired me to create apparel and textile accessories that were mindfully produced using materials sourced from local and sustainable companies.

Embracing the concept of slow and sustainable fashion, I lovingly hand-dye each piece in small, carefully crafted batches. In la cocina de mi mamá, I transform foraged plants, homegrown flowers, insects, and food waste into natural dyes. This approach not only adds a unique touch to my creations but also serves as a testament to my commitment to minimizing my ecological footprint.

Beyond creating beautiful and eco-conscious garments, I endeavor to inspire others to value and extend the lifespan of their apparel through fabric manipulations. I seek to contribute to a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion consumption by encouraging ongoing dialogue around textiles and garments. I have shared my expertise through various workshops, teaching mending, sewing, and natural dye techniques.

I am a voice in minimal-waste fashion with a strong textile and fashion design foundation, a deep respect for the environment, and a genuine desire to educate and inspire. I invite you to join me toward a more sustainable and conscious future through my brand, HECHO BY CAYE.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As an artist, the most rewarding thing for me is to observe people’s reactions when they discover that my garments and accessories are dyed with colors extracted from plants. Seeing their curiosity about the process and how everything comes together is fulfilling. During workshops, it is touching to witness their excitement and sense of accomplishment as they remove the rubber bands from their tie-dye naturally dyed bandana, realizing they dyed it with their own hands. It is particularly significant when I see someone from a generation that didn’t have the opportunity to express themselves creatively, finding joy and fulfillment in the experience.

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

A significant goal drives my creative journey. Although it may sound cliché, as an immigrant, my aim is to achieve the American dream. For me, that means becoming my own boss and being able to sustain a fulfilling life through my hard work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hechobycaye.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hechobycaye

Image Credits
Kayla Reefer