N So as not to be mistaken... how would you prefer we talk about you? Alias, real name, your insta…
Gemma creator of Ajiro @ajirobags

N We already know a little about you but... how would you like to introduce yourself on our blog?
I am Gemma, passionate about fashion and natural fibers. I have been running my own entrepreneurial project for over 15 years, Festuk, a sustainable fashion store in the Poblenou neighborhood of Barcelona, ​​and for a couple of years now, I have also started my adventure in creating bags with natural fibers @ajirobags. They are baskets made of natural fibers but adapted for everyday use. I want to be able to take a natural fiber basket to the office, shopping, the gym, the countryside or the beach.

N What is your relationship with natural fibers? Discovery... or coincidence.
I discovered it on a trip to Thailand and Indonesia and fell in love with all the pieces they made and it inspired me to create my own. Shortly after returning, I took an online workshop with Idoia Cuesta (@idoia_cuesta) and it was eye-opening. I thought “I want to do this.” Then came the pandemic, the lockdown and free time that I spent watching videos, books, researching, learning, in short. And that’s how it all began. Oriental basketry remains my greatest inspiration.

N DIY requires learning and dedication, for us it is still a craft. What is your point of view?
Pure craftsmanship, many hours dedicated to choosing the material, designing the piece, making it and a lot of trial and error. Each piece is unique and unrepeatable... it is difficult for people to understand and appreciate everything that is behind a brand like Ajiro.

N Of your projects, do you remember any that you particularly liked?

Yes, my first Ajiro, the NOA model. I had in mind a hexagonal weave model and it resisted me for a long time, getting it was a challenge and a great personal satisfaction, it will always be my favorite model.

 N Do you have any favourite material? The one that can't be missing from your checklist...
Without a doubt, rattan. All my Ajiros are made with rattan, tireta, pith or a combination of both. It is a very flexible material to work with, light and strong at the same time, it is perfect for my bags. Lately I have been experimenting with other materials such as raffia and I think it will soon be in some models.

N Looking at history and learning from those who know is important... Do you have any design or artistic references that you would like to highlight?
Idoia Cuesta (@idoia_cuesta) is a reference in contemporary basketry, she makes some truly beautiful things. I also love that Mónica Guilera (@monicacistellera) makes some incredible projects combining basketry techniques and fishing net making. I look at a lot of books and accounts of Japanese basketry, they are brutal, for me they are like “samurais” of basketry, they make incredibly complex but perfect weaves. And as not all Thai and Balinese basketry, they are true rattan experts, they use it for countless projects, each one more beautiful than the last, from the simplest ones for everyday use, to giant furniture or lamps. I have been able to travel on some occasions and it is pure fantasy. I want to go back.

N Success is very satisfying, but failure helps too. Do you have any advice or comments you would like to share with beginners and veterans?
I guess it happens to all of us. The beginnings are hard and there are many hours of dedication, and above all of learning that perhaps are not the most satisfying because you do not feel your progress. Many times I have been overcome by impatience and frustration, you have things in mind but you do not know how to carry them out, you make mistakes, you have to start again, and again… but in the end everything works out, and each time it gets better, you improve your technique, ability, mastery. Everything becomes easier and more motivating. But I am left with the satisfaction of enjoying my passion, the satisfaction of achieving challenges. Letting my creativity explode helps me to be happy. And who knows, maybe one day my passion could be my full-time job :)