Located in Pueblo Rico, Risaralda, also Embera Chami territory, lives Lina Siagama and her family who together continue the tradition of beading that runs through generations like a thread connecting past and present. Beading is more than a craft for them; it’s a way of life, a way to carry forward the knowledge, stories, and techniques that have been passed down from mothers to daughters, from grandmothers to granddaughters. It’s also a steady income for many in rural reservations like theirs.

Lina’s work is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. She has a gift for making classic pieces like Okamas which are bold, detailed necklaces that hold deep spiritual and cultural meaning in Embera life. But what makes her work stand out is how she plays with color and form to create contemporary, fun designs that feel fresh and unique. The chameleon earrings she makes are a perfect example of this! Every time we restock them, they sell out almost immediately. There’s something about the way Lina weaves her imagination into each piece that makes you feel like you’re holding a little story or animal in your hands.

It’s not just about the final piece, it’s about what the work represents. The attention to detail, the careful selection of colors, the way each pattern takes shape. This care is something Lina is passing on to the younger girls in her community. She teaches them how to bead, how to hold onto these skills and make them their own, and in doing so, she’s helping to keep their cultural identity alive.

How I met Lina was pretty interesting and a first for me. Usually, I’m the one reaching out to artisans and collectives, but this time, it was different. Lina found me through Instagram and reached out first! As soon as I saw her work, it was an easy yes. Her beadwork had this boldness of creativity that grabbed my attention.

Since then, we’ve been working together for more than 2 years now. From the very beginning, I noticed that Lina was significantly underpricing her pieces. These weren’t just earrings or necklaces, I’ve always viewed these pieces as time-intensive works of art, each bead carefully placed, each color thoughtfully chosen, each pattern telling a quiet story. It bothered me so much to see her undervaluing her talent, and knowing why she was doing it. The market can be tough on our Indigenous women, especially those who craft in rural areas. So we had a conversation about the value of her work, the time it takes, and the energy and heart she pours into each design. 

It’s been a beautiful thing to witness her confidence grow and to see her begin to price her work in a way that reflects its worth. It’s not just about money, it’s about helping artisans like Lina see the value in what they do and how important it is to honor the time and skill behind each piece. Together, we’ve been able to make sure her work is not only seen but appreciated and that the income she makes reflects the love and effort she puts into every single piece.