Who’s Behind Raíces Tejidas? It’s Me, Laurita!

So, you’re probably wondering, who’s the “I” behind all of this? Well, it’s me, Laurita! My name is Laura, and I’m the founder, the creative director, the content creator, the photographer… mejor dicho, I wear all the hats here at Raíces Tejidas (formerly known as Pülasü Collective). So from my heart to yours, here's a bit about me.

A Bit About Laurita...

I was born in the fast-paced city of Medellín, Antioquia, but immigrated at a young age with my mother to the United States and thus, was raised in a small rural town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina (you might hear a little southern twang in my accent when I speak English). I'm a bit of a fashionista. My mom was a fashion designer in Medellín during the 80s and 90s, so I grew up surrounded by color, texture, and creativity. Some of my favorite memories are the two of us digging through thrift stores (back when the prices were still good), that’s where I learned how to build a wardrobe on a budget and express myself through style, and learning that accessorizing was what really put an outfit together!

In the small town where I grew up, I took pride in dressing differently, not following the usual trends, and standing up for things I believed wholeheartedly in. Clothes and the way I expressed myself was my way of showing the world who I was. These days, I still love dressing up now and then, but more often you'll find me in shorts and a tee, outside exploring. But always wearing a pair of beaded earrings and carrying everything I need in my mochila. Nature has always been my safe space, my scapegoat from this hectic world.

In my mid teens, that love for the outdoors evolved into my big, but quiet passion for herbalism and foraging. I taught myself how to identify, harvest, and work with plants, turning them into teas, tinctures, and abuela inspired remedies. It’s something I still carry with me, a kind of personal connection to the land that continues to ground and inspire me.

Growing up in those Appalachian mountains, I always felt a pull toward other mountains, the ones I truly call home. The hills where my ancestors have lived for thousands of years and from traditional stories, were born from chontaduro and corn seeds.

I’m proud to be of Embera Eyabida/Katío
descent (People of the Mountains) on my maternal grandfather’s side, with raices (roots) in the regions of El Chocó and Antioquia, specifically in Alto Andaguedá and Sopetrán. This work, connecting with Indigenous artisans, learning about different cultures, and sharing their stories, has been a deeply personal journey for me. It’s more than just a business; It’s a way for me to reconnect with my heritage, honor my ancestors, channel this passion into something that makes a real difference, and meet some badass Indigenous women and people along the way who pave the way for others in their communities.

Where Roots Remember

Beadwork has always been part of my life, it's what I gravitated towards for jewelry. While others loved gold or silver, I was a bead girlie! As someone with ADHD, metals have kind of been a sensory issue for me ever since I can remember, though I've been more open to wearing it now in my adult years... I loved how beads felt! But more than the texture, I was always drawn to the intricate designs, vibrant colors, and stories woven into the beads. It wasn’t until my mid teenage years that I began to truly explore the history and diversity of beadwork and other textile work across the Americas and other parts of the world, especially within my own heritage. That’s when admiration turned into deep respect and wanting to learn more.

The way artisans can bring to life entire worlds through beading and weaving, shaping identity, spirituality, and storytelling into wearable art, has always fascinated me. For me, traditional clothing and jewelry is more than just beautiful, it's a living archive of identity, history, and resistance. Every stitch, color, and design carries meaning. Clothing and adornments are powerful forms of storytelling, cultural continuity, and even political expression. This curiosity naturally led me to explore cultural anthropology on my own terms during college, digging deep into how Indigenous communities across the world preserve and protect their ways of life through what they wear and how they create. It's a lens through which I better understand people, myself, and the resilience woven into different cultures. And little did I know that this interest would soon turn into what Raices Tejidas is today years later.

Rooted in Community, Grown with You

I’ve always believed that none of this would be possible without community, without you. Your support, encouragement, and belief in the work we do has allowed us to grow and thrive in ways I never could have imagined. It’s a blessing to see how far we’ve come together, and I’m endlessly grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with you. Every piece you choose, every story you learn, and every artisan you help support is a testament to the power of community, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here, together.

This work fills me with so much pride, joy, and purpose. I’m grateful to have you along on this journey celebrating and learning about the rich cultural history of beadwork, weaving, and textile work. 

I’m now back in my homelands of Antioquia, currently living in Medellín, and I’m so excited to use this opportunity to bring you even closer to the heart of Raíces Tejidas. Being here allows me to share more of the behind-the-scenes stories, introducing you to the artisans themselves, their lives, their creative processes, and the rich cultural heritage woven into every piece.

Expect more interviews, more in depth content about the artisans and their communities, and a deeper look into the work they do, what inspires them, the challenges they face, and how their art is a reflection of their identity and connection to the land.

This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to take you along on this journey, bridging the stories of our communities here in Colombia with you, wherever you may be.

Much love,

Lauris <3