Deep in the heart of Mexico where the sun kisses the hills and life moves to the rhythm of ancestral traditions, we meet Cecilia, the newest artisan to join the Lumily family.
Today, our founder, Giovanna, sits down with María Cecilia to learn more about her journey, challenges, and dreams.
From Earth to Life: A Conversation with Cecilia
Giovanna: Cecilia, tell us, how did your love for ceramics begin?
Cecilia: Since I was a child, I would watch my mother work with clay. I remember sitting beside her, mesmerized by how her hands seemed to dance over each piece. I was 12 years old when I painted my first plate—a simple design, but to me, it held an entire universe.
In my community, ceramics are more than just a craft: they are a way to tell our stories and preserve who we are. Every brushstroke is a symbol of our connection to nature, our worldview, and our way of life.
...when my brush touches the ceramic, I feel like I am honoring my ancestors.
The Creative Process: A Fusion of Art and Tradition
Giovanna: What is your process for creating each piece?
Cecilia: It all starts with the clay. We carefully shape it, ensuring that each form has the strength and resilience it needs. Then, we fire it in a kiln until it reaches the perfect hardness.
But my favorite part is painting. Each color has a meaning, each pattern tells a story. Some pieces feature elements from our wildlife, like the sacred jaguar, a symbol of strength and protection. Others depict corn, which represents life to us.
Sometimes, the work is exhausting. There are nights when fatigue weighs heavily on my shoulders, but when my brush touches the ceramic, I feel like I am honoring my ancestors.
Balancing Motherhood and Art: A Story of Love and Sacrifice
Giovanna: Being both a mother and an artisan must be challenging. How do you balance both worlds?
Cecilia: It’s difficult, but also beautiful. I work from home, which allows me to be with my children while I paint. Sometimes, they sit beside me and play with the clay; it makes me happy to think that one of them might continue this tradition.
My husband supports me a lot, but there are days when uncertainty creeps in. I wonder if I’m doing enough to secure a better future for my children. However, every time I finish a piece, I feel like I am moving forward, like this art is leading us toward something greater.
More than selling ceramics, I feel like I am sharing a piece of my history and my roots.
A New Journey with Shop Lumily
Giovanna: What does it mean to you to be part of the Lumily family?
Cecilia: It’s a dream come true. For a long time, I worried that my work wouldn’t be enough to move forward. Now, knowing that my pieces will travel to faraway places, that someone across the world will see and appreciate my work, fills me with emotion.
More than selling ceramics, I feel like I am sharing a piece of my history and my roots.
Looking to the Future: Dreams That Inspire
Giovanna: What are your dreams for the future?
Cecilia: I want to grow my workshop and teach other women in my community. Many of them want to work, but they don’t always have the resources or the knowledge. I would love for ceramics to be not just a tradition but also a form of empowerment for them.
I also dream that my children will grow up proud of their heritage, understanding that this art is not just clay and paint—it is the voice of our ancestors speaking through our hands.
An Art That Transcends Borders
Cecilia’s story is a reflection of Lumily’s mission: to empower women artisans, preserve culture, and bring traditional art to every corner of the world.
Each piece she creates is more than just an object; it is a story woven in clay, a testament of struggle, love, and hope.
Discover her collection and be part of this beautiful legacy.
Discover her beautiful pieces in our store and take
home a piece of her story in our artisan pottery section.
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