About

Daniela Viscarra has worked in the artisan sector for twenty-seven years in Bolivia and around the world in initiatives funded by international cooperation agencies. Her experience includes a wide range of development projects implemented for small producers, indigenous communities and women entrepreneurs providing product development, business training programs, retail and exports strategy and marketing.

In 1996, as a young textile designer with a background in traditional weavings, Daniela looked for ways of bettering the lives of artisans living in cities and indigenous communities in Bolivia by improving the quality and creativity of their products through the creation of a specialized training model.

In time, she became an adviser for artisans while, at the same time, receiving further education in the craft industry, its business, strategy and international trade fairs linked to her work as Design Director for Aid to Artisans Bolivia and other international projects. These experiences opened her eyes to the real structure and potential of the handmade industry as well as understanding what small businesses must do to become competitive, sustainable and successful.

Due to the reality of the small producers in her country who face huge challenges for export and producing larger volumes of products, she developed and perfected a craft sector comprehensive program, a model which is designed to elevate the quality and perceived value of the handmade products and sell them in high-quality exhibitions focus in its cultural relevance. Customers can have a unique buying experience learning about the traditions and usually are willing to buy high quality products in fair prices and support the initiative understanding the benefits for the artisans.

Daniela herself conceived of and founded a specialized non-profit organization that provided comprehensive services for artisans. Along with her team she wrote the projects, got the funding, created specialized training and marketing programs cultural reserach and the design of signature collections.

The model has proven to be highly successful in sales and have been applied in other countries through her consulting work. The innovative working effort between creative professionals and artisans dramatically increases sales and improves business opportunities for artisans of all mediums and backgrounds.

Daniela has worked in fourteen countries from Central America, the Caribbean, Asia and Middle East.