Meet Martha
Ten
years ago I answered the call of a deep desire to go to Peru…
I thought the pull I felt was a connection to Machu Picchu but then I came across Ollantaytambo and quickly fell in love. I became enamored with the town and it’s people. In my three week stay I had a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt back home. Every person I met had such a beautiful spirit, such a goodness in their heart, something that in my life I had not felt very often.
As a mother of four and a homemaker, I gave my all to nourish my family in every way I could. Many times, I felt I had nothing more to give. I felt like my soul, my fire, my passion was empty. After returning from Ollantaytambo the first time I felt such a rejuvenation to my spirit. I had never felt anything like it. Feeling completely full and recharged, I could once again give my love and my all to my family with joy. I knew I had to return as soon as I could.
In my time there I met Leo, one of the artisans. I was very cautious while travelling alone with my younger son and have even been told that I walked like a warrior. As I was walking Leo calls out to me, “Hola Colombiana”. I was startled knowing how very American I look, how could he possibly know my heritage? Looking back it seems kismet. So we struck up conversation and I admired the jewelry he had made. I left with multiple beautiful pieces for myself and others. We exchanged information thinking maybe we would meet again.
When home from Peru I was able to regain a small piece of the energy I felt while there when I wore the jewelry Leo and the others I had met made. I can’t tell you how many compliments I receive when I wear the jewelry from my new friends. Life went on and I got busy but I always had a pull to return to Ollantaytambo.
It was 6 years later I was able to find the time and money to plan a return trip and I allowed for a 2 week stay in Ollantaytambo. I reconnected with Leo and arranged to meet with him while there. This is when I met Conaky and Qory, also artisans. They were kind enough to spend time with me and my sons showing us not just their jewelry and how it is made but some beautiful places sacred to them.
The time I spent there is very special to me. It allowed me to fully experience the time and energy spent in acquiring, making and selling their art. It is a beautiful process reflected in every piece of jewelry they make. Their lives are not easy but they are driven to find, travel to and trade for the stones and crystals that create these energetic pieces of jewelry. I created Jewelry Artistas is so that these dedicated artists have an opportunity for their art to reach further and so someone like you is able to acquire a small piece of the energetic beauty of Peru.