Soraya Cedeno is the visionary behind the Ecuadorian brand
Organic Tagua Jewelry, from which our beloved Tagua collection originates. She was born in a small coastal village in Ecuador, a place known as a haven for artisans working with a relatively unknown raw material: Tagua.
With Heart, Hands, and Tagua
Driven by a mission to give back, Soraya has travelled the world, drawing inspiration from people, places and the world of haute couture. As the founder of Organic Tagua Jewelry, she now works with artisans from local villages to create stunning jewelry that is not only eco-friendly, organic and sustainable, but also provides unparalleled economic opportunities for the artisans who make it.
An Interview with Soraya Cedeno: On Her Mission, Craftsmanship, and Sustainability
Soraya, please describe yourself in three words.
Fighter, passionate, mother.
We believe that hands tell stories. What do your hands say about you?
My hands are those of a mother, a wife, and an entrepreneur. They carry the people in my life to places they couldn't reach on their own and help them achieve positions that would otherwise be unattainable.
What was the last thing you made with your hands?
Organic sweet potato pancakes for breakfast.
If you could do anything with your hands, what would it be?
I would touch my son's skin and make his eczema disappear.
When you look back on your life, what are you most proud of?
Being a single mother was incredibly challenging for many years, but seeing my daughter grow into a strong, generous young woman is the greatest achievement of my life.
At ABURY, we strongly believe in equality and the value of sharing. How do you think intercultural exchange benefits our global society?
I believe that intercultural exchange is essential to building communities with a better future for our children. We need to share with the world what helps us grow as families, communities, and individuals.
What makes Ecuador different from other countries? What makes your culture unique?
Wow, that's a tough question... We have so much and yet so little. I think we're blessed with vast and diverse natural resources, especially considering that Ecuador is the smallest country in South America. And of course, we have the Galapagos Islands!
How would you describe the "flavors of Ecuador," and what’s your favorite?
We are known for having the best ceviche in the world! Growing up on the coast, it’s all about fresh fruit and vegetables (no meat) and, of course, lots of fresh fish.
You are the founder of Organic Tagua Jewelry, and all your products are made from a material called tagua. Can you explain what it is and why you focus on it?
In the 19th century, buttons for US military uniforms and high-end clothing were made from the tagua nut, also known as vegetable ivory. It was a major industry in Ecuador until the mid-1950s, when tagua buttons were replaced by plastic ones. This shift not only caused the tagua industry to disappear, but also devastated the livelihoods of over 4,000 artisans and their families.
The craft of shaping, carving and creating unique jewelry from tagua has been passed down through generations. This art deserves to be celebrated – not only for its creativity and sustainability, but also for the talent behind it. Harvesting the tagua nut helps protect the rainforest and provides a livelihood for those who collect it. Today we employ over 45 artisans who depend on the success of Organic Tagua Jewelry. How could I let them down? Even though I've had the opportunity to expand my business with other sustainable materials from different countries, I remain committed to my Ecuadorian artisans.
Soraya, we're delighted to be able to include some of Organic Tagua Jewelry in our collection. What do you think makes the tagua bracelets so unique?
This jewelry is designed in collaboration with the artisans from the village where my tagua pieces are made. We work closely together on each design. I want the jewelry to be colourful and stylish while retaining its natural originality and beauty. Each piece is polished for about 14 hours to achieve its stunning lustre. We started with this bracelet and it's still our best seller! I love it. I love everything we create and I'm so grateful.
© All photos via Soraya Cedeno-Fetzner
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