Hand Painted Serving Tray, "Colonial Lotus"

In 2016, Asunta was diagnosed with a serious throat disease. She has no health insurance and uses her earnings from NOVICA to fund her treatments. She also has a husband and her workers who depend on her. Through all this, she has shown such perseverance and strength and continues to work hard and balance her responsibilities.

Asunta uses the traditional Peruvian technique of reverse-painted glass. Brought to Peru during the colonial period, every detail is done by hand, requiring great skill and patience. She teaches the technique to others through her workshop and hopes they will continue to practice and pass down the traditional technique to keep it alive for future generations.

Asunta's sales have increased more than threefold since she joined Novica. When Asunta first started out, she had a small workshop with two part-time assistants. Now she is able to rent a larger space close to her home and provide work for more people.

Asunta Pelaez has received 8 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1800 and the most recent for $2850. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of wood, paint and lacquer for production.

In addition to the artisans she employs full time, Asunta works with one temporary artisan — another NOVICA artisan who helps Asunta with the most physically demanding parts of her work because of her illness.

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Asunta's sales are critical to supporting herself, her elder husband and her workers along with their families. Her personal health situation makes each sale that much more important.

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.