LEONARDA

HC PARTNER SINCE: 2014

Leonarda, or “Leo,” grew up with her family in the mountains of the state of Jalisco, in the lands of the Wixaritari Indigenous community, also known as the Huichol people. She is from San Andrés Cohamiata, in the municipality of Mezquitic. From a very early age, she learned the traditional Huichol art of decorating statuettes, necklaces, bracelets, and wooden canvases using beeswax, thread, and small beads called chaquiras.

Leo also shares that, as a child, her grandmother taught her how to make necklaces using papaya seeds and other fruits and vegetables instead of traditional beads, inspiring her appreciation for natural materials and craftsmanship.

Today, she lives in Bucerías and can be found at her colorful stand in the main plaza or in her shop. Leo has been the primary provider for her three children and takes great pride in their accomplishments. Her youngest son, Ángel, is still in school, Sofía has earned her university degree, and Fátima is married.