Women supporting Women on International Women's Day

For International Women's we were honoured to be interviewed for the Abask blog. We bring you here our interview, but most of all we would like to honour the wonderful women artisans we work with and inspire us every day. 

Sharon: “When I think about the women I admire most, I am drawn to those who take charge of their own destiny and fully embrace the magical power of femininity. Strength isn’t always loud or forceful—it can be found in resilience, creativity and the quiet determination to build a better future. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our incredible artisans, and they have become my greatest role models. These women do it all—they work, they mother, they create, they educate—all while navigating life with limited resources. Yet, they persist, and succeed, with grace, passion and an unbreakable spirit. Their stories are a testament to the infinite strength of the feminine, reminding us that true power lies in the ability to nurture, innovate, and uplift those around us.”

Alex: “I admire women from all walks of life, especially those who embody resilience, creativity and a commitment to social justice. Doris Salcedo, one of my favorite Colombian artists, deeply resonates with me through her powerful installations. Berta Cáceres, who tirelessly fought for indigenous rights and the environment, and Marina Silva, with her dedication to protecting the Amazon, are true inspirations. I’m drawn to Patricia Urquiola's blend of styles and materials, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Tilda Swinton’s unique style, combined with the humor of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sharon Horgan and Sophie Willan, also inspires me. I have immense respect for the women artisans we work with—many of whom face challenging economic or social circumstances. They manage to balance work, family, and life with remarkable resilience and love, and their strength is a daily source of inspiration.” 

Sharon:  “As a working mother, I feel inherently wired to balance design with function—a perspective that has deeply influenced CasaLatina’s collections. I believe that beauty should never come at the expense of practicality, or vice versa; the objects we surround ourselves with should not only inspire but also serve a purpose in our daily lives.

This mindset has led us to explore and incorporate ancient crafting techniques into the creation of everyday objects that are as useful as they are beautiful. Our pieces are designed to be cherished and enjoyed for years to come, blending tradition with modern living in a way that feels both natural and intentional. For me, being a woman means designing with empathy—understanding how objects fit into real homes and real lives. It’s about creating with both heart and purpose.”

Alex: “As a female founder, I am especially attuned to building a fair and sustainable business model that benefits all involved. I place great importance on empowerment, creating a supportive network for our female artisans that nurtures their economic independence and helps them thrive. My love for traditional Latin American craftsmanship, combined with my background in the human rights sector, has provided a unique perspective that has deeply resonated with our audience at CasaLatina.” 

Sharon:  “The joy for me is in the voyage of discovery—not where things are handed to you on a plate. There are fabulous female artists who live in that diamond-studded universe of the yet to be discovered—for me, that’s where it’s at. With the guidance of my great friend, Penny Walker from Wolfe Walker, I have had the privilege to meet many up-and-coming female artists and explore their work. I recently bought these awesome pieces by Jil Mandeng, a fabulous young female artist born in Santiago, Chile, who studied at CSM. Her work references both a clashing of cultures and her nomadic lifestyle growing up, which of course deeply resonates with my own life experiences.”

Alex:  “I have eclectic tastes in art, appreciating a wide range of woman-made works across different mediums, from visual art to literature and photography. Doris Salcedo's installations deeply resonate with me; Shibboleth, created for the Tate Modern in 2007, features a large crack in the floor that remains visible today, symbolizing exclusion and addressing racism, colonialism and the immigrant experience. Olga de Amaral, another Colombian artist, elevates the art of weaving through her intricate tapestries, blending traditional techniques with contemporary materials. Her work beautifully explores the connection between culture and identity.

Frida Kahlo's style and self-portraits also have a lasting impact on me. Her exploration of pain, resilience, and personal and cultural identity in Latin America continues to inspire and resonate with generations. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass blends indigenous wisdom and science, fostering a profound connection to nature and respect for the earth—a perspective uniquely expressed through a woman’s voice. Zaha Hadid inspires me with her confidence in breaking barriers in architecture, pursuing her unique vision in a male-dominated field. I’m also endlessly inspired by women photographers; to name just one, I’m in awe of Lynsey Addario’s art and braveness in capturing the strength and resilience of women in crisis or conflict zones.”