From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to learn — but not every space was ready for me. I often felt that my ideas could not be heard… until I arrived here. That was when everything changed. I discovered that I could do it — that my hands could speak for me.
I wasn’t alone. My mom was always by my side. At first, she came along to support me, but without realizing it, we began to learn together.
I remember being afraid. I didn’t know if I could keep up, but when I started to practice, something inside me awakened. I discovered everything I could create with my hands, and the day I finished my first piece I felt something I had never felt before: I felt capable. In that moment, I understood that this place not only taught me — it marked the beginning of everything.
We came to FUNDAP with a dream: to start a business. With the training I received, I began to create my first designs. It wasn’t easy; at first we had no equipment or raw materials. We would come in and use what we were lent, holding on to every opportunity.
With the Seguir para Emprender program, things took another step forward. We received support to acquire our own equipment, and that was how our dream began to take shape.
Today we work together. I take care of creating, designing, and transforming. My mom is the bridge that connects me with others: she speaks with clients, understands what they’re looking for, conveys their ideas to me… and I turn them into products.
Her mother shares:
“When my daughter started at the technical training center, I came along only as her interpreter. I thought I was just there to accompany her, but I soon understood that this was a process for me, too.
We grew together, we learned together. This space allowed us to adapt, to grow stronger, and, above all, to build something of our own.
It has been a rewarding experience to see that at FUNDAP there are inclusive spaces, where regardless of disability, every person has worth. Here, my daughter found knowledge and a place where she feels supported, respected, and never discriminated against.”
Today I can say that my life has changed. When I think about the future, I see myself growing. I dream of having a bigger business, offering new products, creating different designs, and expanding my options. I want to keep creating.
I also want to open doors for other deaf people in my community — to give them an opportunity, just as I was given one.
I want to thank God for this opportunity. To FUNDAP, for believing in me and giving me the tools to move forward. And, above all, to my mom, for always being my voice, for never letting go, and for walking with me from the very beginning.
This dream… we are building it together.
