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

Hi Esther, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I am Esther Wright and I was born and raised in beautiful Oaxaca (pronounces “wah-haak-kah”), Mexico. I’ve lived in the United States for over 20 years but the people of Oaxaca have never left my heart. As long as I can remember I’ve been passionate about helping families and educating others about my culture, language and traditions. I especially love helping those who are less fortunate and provide opportunities to individuals that desire to reach their fullest potential. (Oaxaca was the second purest State in Mexico, Now we are number 3)

In 2018, I left the fast-paced corporate world to follow my dreams of helping the people of Oaxaca and share its magnificent beauty around the world. I have no regrets about leaving a company I worked at for many years. Lessons and experiences made me realize my dream to help others on a grander scale had laid dormant far too long. Hilo de Amor means, Thread of Love. It was born from my passion to help others, especially the Oaxaca people. The journey has been an incredible!

OUR STORY
While visiting my hometown, visiting the inmates they asked me for help they make handcrafted tote bags that were made from recycled plastic. I purchased thirty-five, one of a kind totes with the intention of giving them away to friends in Oklahoma. However, while travelling back the plan changed and it was clear; I was to build a company that links the hard working, talented, artisans of Oaxaca and their craft to buyers in the United States that valued authentic, quality, handmade items. Growing up in Oaxaca, I understood the extreme poverty of artisans faced and knew each item purchased directly from the creator would make a big difference in the lives of people I grew up around.

Today, as founder I am working with a groups of creative artisans and offering the world’s most amazing textile art through Hilo de Amor-Thread of Love. Together we are transforming lives by creating jobs, putting money directly back into the hands of original craftsman, empowering families and bringing long term solutions for an extremely poor region. At the same time, the Mexican culture is being preserved.

Esther, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Esther Wright. A Proud Zapotec from Oaxaca. Daugther of 2 retired teachers that serve 40 years of their lives in the rural areas of Oaxaca. I’m the founder & owner of Hilo De Amor.
Oaxaca, Mexico, is rich with heritage, tradition and culture, however; over the past few decades, the rapid evolvement of modern technology has threatened its preservation. Hilo de Amor is dedicated to promoting and educating other of the rich heritage. Together we help to promote the magnificent culture and preserve it for the new generations of Oaxaca, Mexico and for the entire world..
We value creativity, quality, sustainability and innovation.
Hilo de Amor fuses her great passion for fashion and art with the cultural richness of our country and State, creating handmade pieces with contemporary and sophisticated airs.

Each piece is a mixture of unique patterns and colors, made by a wonderful group of expert artisans in prison, many designs and patterns already existed many generations ago. We offer you a wide variety of Artisan handwoven bags with great diversity of color, shapes, designs and handmade.
We are proud of our roots and of each of the pieces that have been created, we are a one hundred percent Oaxacan brand and made by hand. Because most of our pieces are handmade, each one is completely different, it can vary in terms of colors and elements, this makes them exclusive and unique pieces.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Since I know I exist I have a passion to help others. Since a young girl I love to feed the kids in need and homeless.. All my life I have a servant heart and I have putting my gifts to the service of others. Working with second saturday at Asbury Methodist Church. When I started Hilo de Amor I did it just to help others for 7 months we sold the bags at cost. People will know why you do what you do.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I’m proud to say that I created my own website though square and I also have a shop in Etsy and others. If you know how to to do it right it’s a benefit to you.         

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hilodeamor.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/oaxacawonders?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shophda?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Hilo de Amor