I grew up where arts and crafts had always been part of my daily activities; drawing, painting, creative writing, ceramics and even dancing and singing were my hobbies and sometimes part of an assignment at school. As I teenager, I loved fashion, and I had always enjoyed setting trends for wearing different styles and colors for school and parties.

When I was around 13yrs old I joined the local girls scouts group. Learning survival skills and knotting techniques. We would go camping and hiking with minimum equipment and we were taught how to create shelter and other useful tools while in the wild. Knots can be used to hang up gear, connect a boat to a dock, and staking out the lines of a tent. Knots can also be used for jewelry, clothing, decorations and accessories as well.

Macramé is the art of knotting and they are many different types of knots used. They require a lot of concentration and detail. Plus it helps me focus.

Since I already had a background of making knots when I was in the girl scouts, I actually found my self enjoying the process of creating pieces with a skill that I had some previous knowledge. Of course it took me a lot of trial and error and some obstacles to master some of the basic techniques used in Macramé weaving, but I continue to learn and perfect it.

Some of these obstacles were, creating a symmetrical piece using leather and beads. Using knots for an accessory is a completely different process and technique than camping, for obvious reasons. And to be honest, learning a new craft takes time and effort, I am a very self taught person and I might have learned quicker if I, maybe attended some lessons.

For Cacao Photography, I found my passion taking pictures of sunsets and clouds first, then I started photographing nature. I love the art of painting with light. Looking for elements and composition for your picture is a skill of its own, plus learning the technical aspects of lighting. I bought my first camera in 2020 and continued taking pictures of nature settings along with live events and concerts. I do some social photography but, I enjoy live music events mostly with natural light. I am soon to do an exhibition on my nature photography.

I honestly have not taken any lessons either, I just grab my camera on the manual setting and start figuring out the ISO, aperture and speed. I am yet to master off camera flash.

As an artist and independent entrepreneur, we face many challenges.

Investing is essential; having the funds to supply quality materials and provide a beautiful creation is fundamental.

Art is subjective and each of us have our own way of expressing our feelings and talents. So, making sure you have the best materials will definitely make a difference. Of course, I started within my means, and gradually did some upgrades.

Artists and artisan businesses, not always have an art gallery space available or storefront, so for me Markets and Bazaars, have been my favorite places to make my pieces known, as well as a couple of art galleries. (The Heights Art Studios and Gallery and at the ArtCrawl-Hardy and Nance)

A weekend on my way to an exhibition, starts very early in the morning. Making sure all of my creations are ready to be presented. Tables and chairs, decorations, cash box and CC adapter, -and the list goes on! I set up at least 1 hour prior the market or exhibition, or at least I tried to. The day is filled with excitement; some days are great, and some are not. When the sun goes down I may or may not stay, depending on the set hours. I have been on markets and exhibitions that start early in the morning, and are done by noon or a little later, or I have been at the night markets. Where lighting is very important to show your creations appropriately. And we start again, next weekend or the one after.

Cacao Photography has been a special companion in this journey. My camera has been present in most of my exhibitions and markets, helping me capture it all, and sharing my photos with artists and small business owners to help them with their online presence. I believe in building a community of people that help, motivate and promote each other. What is best than a professional photo of your business.

All of this is happening while being a mom of 3 boys, one already an adult, and taking care of home, plus other events photography, and a couple of other projects with my husband. Family time is also a challenge, sometimes Dani and Eze come with me, or sometimes they stay home. But we always try to eat together at the end of the day.