meet the makers
Behind every one of our products is a real woman with a story worth knowing. By sharing who our makers are, we turn merch into something more. A meaningful connection that honors their talent and brings purpose to every stitch. That’s what sets Nicoletta apart: when you know the maker, you carry their story too.
“I’m Paola, daughter of God, wife to Nico, and an eternal dreamer. Since I was a child, I learned that dreams are built through hard work: I used to sell things at school, save for my goals, and always looked for ways to create something of my own.
But the greatest gift came from my grandmother Noemí, who patiently taught me how to crochet. I’m the only one of all her granddaughters who learned this craft, and every time I pick up a hook, I feel her with me. Crocheting is my way of honoring her and keeping alive a heritage that runs in my blood.
That’s why, when Nicoletta opened its doors to me, I felt God was giving me a unique opportunity: to turn my passion into a bridge for others to also learn, create, and dream.
To the person receiving what I made, I want you to know that every stitch was made for you with love, care, and dedication. You’re not just holding a product: you’re holding a story, a tradition, and a piece of me.”
“I’m Jorgelina and when I was a little girl, I dreamed of simple things: having a job, my own home, and one day, holding a child in my arms. Today, that dream has come true. I have a beautiful daughter, my greatest joy, my reason for everything.
I never imagined that one day I would discover a talent I didn’t know I had, a gift that would change the way I see myself. Inside the penitentiary, I learned to create with my hands. I began crafting using traditional Paraguayan techniques like ñandutí and crochet, every thread woven by hand. Sometimes I look at what I’ve made and think, ‘Did I really do that?’ It fills me with pride and disbelief all at once.
Through my work, I’ve been able to support my daughter. I built her a small room and bought her the things she needs. Knowing that something made with my hands helps give her a better life fills me with happiness and hope.
Being part of Nicoletta means more than just work; it means gratitude. I first heard about Nicoletta through María Victoria’s mother, a woman who had been visiting the penitentiary for years to support and teach women here. One day, she invited me to join Nicoletta’s training program. I remember finishing my breakfast, walking in, and thinking, ‘There must be a reason for this.’ And there was. From the very first day, I loved it. Nicoletta gives meaning to time that can otherwise feel endless. It allows me to learn, to create, and to dream again.
To the person who owns something I’ve made, I want to say: please, treasure it. Every piece carries love, hope, and a part of my story. I dream of the day I can walk out of here, hold my daughter again, and make up for lost time, to enjoy every moment of life, because we never truly know how much time we have.”
“My name is Sonia and I’ve always dreamed of being an artist. I love creating with my hands, my mind, my voice, and even with technology. Creating fills me with joy, with a sense of purpose that words cannot fully capture. But what makes it truly meaningful is knowing that what I make can touch someone else’s life, bring a smile, or offer comfort. There is a special kind of magic in seeing something born from your imagination and hands take on a life of its own in the world.
Nicoletta has given me a gift: the chance to create, to learn, and to help others discover their own creativity. It has taught me that every stitch, every brushstroke, every idea carries love, hope, and the power to transform. It reminds me that no matter the challenges we face, there is always a way to build something beautiful, to share something meaningful, and to leave a mark that goes beyond ourselves.
To the person who chose this piece, I want you to know it was made with all my heart. Every detail carries a story, a moment of hope, and a piece of my soul. May it bring light, joy, and warmth into your days, as it brought purpose and healing into mine. My dream is to reach many people through what I create and teach, one handmade piece at a time, sharing not only art, but love, resilience, and the quiet reminder that even small things can carry great meaning.”
“My name is María Elena, I’m forty-one years old, and I am a woman currently deprived of liberty. When I was a little girl in primary school, I had a teacher who taught crochet. I loved it so much, and I was lucky to learn the basics from her. She always told us that a strong foundation could help us create something beautiful with our own hands one day. I never forgot her words, but I never imagined I would have a chance to truly experience them, until now.
Creating something with my hands today feels magical. It’s more than just making an object; it’s a piece of my heart, a spark of hope, a way to feel alive in a place that can feel so dark. The first time I made something with Nicoletta, I couldn’t believe it. I held it in my hands and thought, ‘I made this. I really did.’ My chest swelled with pride and wonder. I remember making my first phone strap, wrist strap, and laptop case, and showing them to the other women. Their eyes widened in surprise and admiration, I could see their disbelief, and their joy. Some even asked how much I would sell them for, but I smiled and said, ‘No, this one stays with me.’ That moment, that feeling, is unforgettable.
Being part of Nicoletta has given me something priceless: hope, purpose, and dignity. It makes me feel seen and valued, even here, in a place where the world often forgets us. I am so grateful to God, to Nicoletta, to everyone who believed in us and for giving us this chance to start again. Many of us need just a little push to rebuild our lives, and they gave us that push with patience, care, and faith.
From Nicoletta, I dream of so much. I hope it continues, so other women like me can feel the same transformation. One day, when I leave this place, I dream of seeing something I created flourish outside these walls. That would fill me with pride and joy beyond words. To the person who owns something made by me, I want to say thank you. Every stitch carries love, effort, and a part of my story. Nicoletta has changed me in ways I never imagined, it has given me hope, purpose, and a reason to believe that life can still be beautiful.”
“My name is Disney, and I’m Bolivian. At the age of twenty-one, I found myself in prison in Paraguay. It was here, behind these walls, that I discovered something unexpected, the beauty of Paraguayan crafts and the rich traditions that come with them. They’ve become a part of me, something I’ve learned to love deeply.
When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming an athlete or a teacher, especially a kindergarten teacher, because I’ve always loved children. But as time passed, life took me down a different road. I got involved with drugs, and that’s what brought me here. I was sentenced to ten years, and I’ve now served eight. Inside this place, I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible. I’ve learned patience, discipline, and the quiet pride that comes from creating something with your own hands. Every time I finish a piece, I look at it and think, ‘I did that. Me.’ It’s something good, something that belongs to me, born out of a place where good things are often hard to find.
Being part of Nicoletta has been both an experience and a gift of trust. The fact that they chose us, women who are incarcerated, means more than words can express. They came to us with open hearts, taught us, and trained us with patience and respect. That trust gave us something we had lost: our sense of worth.
Through Nicoletta, I’ve found hope again. One day, when I return home, I dream of sharing everything I’ve learned here. I want to open crochet workshops, to teach others the skills and confidence that changed my life. To the person who owns something made by me, I would say: please, value it. Every stitch carries love, effort, and the desire to show that even in the most confined spaces, creativity can bloom.
Before, I dreamed of teaching little children. Today, I dream of teaching everything I’ve learned here, of passing on the lessons, patience, and hope that these walls could not take from me.”
“My name is Ruth, a woman who dreams. I am someone with many goals and hopes, hopes that one day will come true. From the moment I arrived at the penitentiary, I decided to focus on learning crafts. At first, it didn’t catch my attention. But slowly, little by little, it grew on me, and soon it became my passion. Today, I feel proud, not only of everything I’ve learned but of what I am capable of creating with my own hands. Many people are surprised when they see what I can do, and I am too. There is a beautiful satisfaction in discovering a potential that had been asleep inside me for so long.
As a little girl, I dreamed of studying, of becoming someone, because that’s what my parents always encouraged me to do. They supported me in every step I took, but they also taught me the value of independence. I started working when I was seventeen, and that made me feel fulfilled. For the past ten years, I’ve worked in crafts, and that has allowed me to support myself, to be self-reliant, and to take pride in my work.
Being part of Nicoletta has been an entirely new and exciting experience. I had never worked with this kind of crochet before, and at first, it was hard. I would get nervous, undo my work, and start over again and again until I got it right. I kept going, and slowly, I improved.Through Nicoletta, I hope for growth, not only for the first group of sixteen women selected, but for many others who have talent and a love for this craft. I hope Nicoletta continues to help us move forward, becoming a bridge between us and the society we’ve been excluded from.
To the person who owns something made by me, I want you to know: please support this work. Talk about what Nicoletta represents. Every piece carries all my love and effort, so that whoever receives it can truly feel it. My dream for the future is to keep working with Nicoletta after I regain my freedom. One day, I hope to open my own shop, a place where I can give other women the chance to share their talents and shine, just as I have been given the chance.”
“I’m Martha and when I was a little girl, I loved crafts. I had an aunt who used to crochet and make little dolls, and I would watch her with admiration. I loved seeing her creations, but I always thought it was too difficult, almost impossible for me. That changed when Nicoletta arrived. They showed me that I could do it, breaking down the mental barriers I had built for myself. Suddenly, what seemed impossible became real.
Seeing something created by my own hands fills me with joy. I remember the first time I finished a piece, I couldn’t believe it was mine. It was exciting, emotional, and beautiful. Every finished work lifts my self-esteem and makes me proud. There’s something magical about holding a piece you made yourself; it feels completely unique, like a part of you lives in it.
Being part of Nicoletta is one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Inside these walls, it has given me hope, because people from the outside chose to believe in us. That faith moves me deeply. We’ve made mistakes, but they opened doors for us, giving us a chance to create, learn, and grow.
I hope Nicoletta continues to believe in us, to have faith in us, and to help us become new people, leaving our past behind. To the person who owns something made by me, I want to say thank you. By choosing it, you are giving us a chance to reintegrate into society. For us, that means everything.
My dream for the future is simple but powerful: to leave this place, stay away from crime, and rebuild my life, close to my two children, with hope and dignity guiding every step.”
“My name is Rossana. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a teacher or a hairdresser. I loved using my hands, transforming something simple into something beautiful, and seeing the result of my work. Today, I realize that, in a way, that dream never really died. It was just waiting for the right moment to come alive again.
Creating with my hands feels magical. It calms me, grounds me, and reminds me that I am still capable of creating beauty, even here. Every time I crochet, I feel connected to myself, to others, and to the hope that life can always be rebuilt. Seeing a finished piece fills me with pride. It makes me whisper to myself, yes, you can.
Nicoletta, for me, represents light. This opportunity came into our lives like a fairy godmother, rekindling a spark that had gone out inside us. It brought back our hope, our joy, and the desire to keep learning and growing. To the person who owns something made by my hands, I want to say: please, treasure it. It’s made with love, with effort, and with deep gratitude. Each piece carries a part of my story, a message that we are capable of so much more than our mistakes.
Thank you, Nicoletta, for believing in us, even when there are so many artisans outside. Your faith in those of us still behind these walls has sparked a hope inside us that words could never capture. As I follow my old dream of becoming a teacher, I now dream of helping other women discover the same healing, purpose, and joy that crochet has given me: a dream that begins in my hands, but reaches far beyond them.”
“My name is Eliana. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a businesswoman, of creating something that was mine, something born from my own hands and imagination. I always pictured having a clothing brand, designing pieces that reflected who I was. Life, of course, took me down very different paths, but I still believe that God will give me that chance. Never say never.
For me, creating with my hands is an act of love. Every stitch carries a piece of my heart. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to make something from scratch, and when I saw my first finished piece, I felt proud, deeply proud, realizing I was capable of far more than I ever thought.
Nicoletta represents hope and new beginnings. Even in difficult times, I feel that God is testing us but also preparing us for something greater. Nicoletta has shown me that learning never ends, and that what you learn stays with you forever. No one can ever take it away, not even behind bars.
To the person who owns something I’ve made, I want to say: please, treasure it. Behind every piece there’s time, effort, and love. When I crochet, I listen to music and let my mind fill with beautiful thoughts, all those feelings are woven into every thread. I dream of rebuilding my life through Nicoletta, of watching it grow and thrive, not just for me, but for all the women beside me. We are strong women. We’ve made mistakes, yes, but we still believe, with all our hearts, that God will lead us to victory.”
“I’m Estela, a daughter of God and the proud mother of a fifteen-year-old son. As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a nurse, of caring for others with love and dedication. Life, however, took me on unexpected paths. I began studying Guaraní, our cherished native language, and later pursued Physical Education, hoping to become a teacher. Though I wasn’t able to finish, my thirst for learning has never left me. It’s a fire that still burns bright within me.
Discovering the joy of creating with my hands has been nothing short of magical. I never imagined that crafting could bring such profound happiness, but it has become a kind of therapy for my soul. Each finished piece fills me with pure, indescribable joy. To see something so intricate and detailed, made entirely by my own hands, feels almost miraculous.
Being part of Nicoletta is an honor beyond words. It makes me feel seen, valued, and important. Knowing that my work contributes to something bigger, that it matters, fills my heart with gratitude every single day. To the person who owns a piece created by me, I would say: treasure it. Each item is made with love, patience, and dedication. Handmade work is unique; no two pieces are ever the same, and each carries a piece of my heart.
My dream for the future is simple yet profound: to have my own space, a place where I can share and display everything I’ve learned here, a space where my hands, my heart, and my story can come alive for others to see.”
“I’m María Antonia and the mother of three little ones: two boys and a girl. They are my world, my strength, my reason for everything I do. For them, I endure every hardship. I was married, but I’ve been separated for four years now, and today I play both roles, mom and dad, for my children.
When I had my eldest son, I worked and studied from a very young age to support him. I cooked, sold things, even worked as a security guard—anything to make sure he never experienced the needs I faced as a child. I always tell him: ‘Learn everything you can, value what you have, and take every opportunity, because life gives you only one.
As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a seamstress. I’ve always loved sewing. At one point, I even thought of becoming a police officer, but my admiration for my grandmother was stronger. She was a seamstress, and her hands, her dedication, inspired me deeply. My mother makes sheets, my brother embroiders shirts, and now I, too, create with my hands.
It’s incredible to see what I’m capable of through my own work. When I see a piece I’ve made finished, my heart fills with pure joy. My first thought is always, ‘Did I really make this?’ Being part of Nicoletta makes me feel proud and grateful. It’s not just a place to work, it’s a space to learn, grow, and support each other, not just for us, but for our families and children.
From Nicoletta, I hope to move forward and build a better life. And to you, yes, you, who owns something I made: take care of it, cherish it, because it was made with love. My dream for the future is simple but powerful: to regain my freedom, to be fully with my children again, and to teach them everything I’ve learned here, all in God’s name.
Every day, I thank God for keeping me safe. In Guaraní, they call me a mamá guazú, a mother lion. That’s who I am: a warrior for my children, carrying love, strength, and hope into everything I do.”
“My name is Martha and I’m a strong and resilient woman. Why? Because behind me stands my family, waiting for me, supporting me, and by the grace of God, I have the strength to keep going. I have always loved cooking and have taken many courses, savory, sweet, even dietetic recipes, because creating with care has always been a part of who I am.
But discovering the joy of creating with my hands in a new way has been nothing short of a blessing from God. My hands were made to serve, to help others, and to bring beauty into the world. The first time I completed a piece, I could hardly believe it. I had always admired crafts, but I had never tried crochet before. With focus, patience, practice, and guidance, I made something with my own hands. At first, I felt anxious, unsure if I could do it, but then came that incredible, almost magical moment of realization: ‘I did this. I really made this.’
Being part of the Nicoletta team fills me with pride and gratitude. Perhaps this isn’t the path I imagined for myself, but through this experience, I have received so much, not only skills but also the joy of giving, of creating, of serving others. And maybe one day, I will be able to pass it forward, to teach someone else, and to serve them as I was served.
To the person who owns something made by me, I want you to know it was created with love, patience, and above all, faith. Always remember God, because without Him, we are nothing, and with Him, we are everything. My dream for the future is simple yet profound: to be reunited with my family and, together, to help others in any way we can. To give, to create, and to serve, always guided by love and faith.”
“I’m Noelia, a woman filled with emotions, dreams, and hope. I am sincere, brave, and strong. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a mother, of building a family, of traveling, and discovering the world. Those dreams have never left my heart; they continue to guide me every day.
For me, creating with my hands is more than work. It’s creating hope. It’s seeing how simple threads can become something beautiful. Every finished piece fills me with pride and joy, a reminder that even the smallest efforts can transform into something admired and meaningful.
Being part of Nicoletta has given me purpose and happiness. The fact that I was chosen to be here makes every day feel important. Nicoletta has given me hope, helping me believe in my future and in the possibility of reintegration. I dream that this work continues to reach many people, spreading commitment, empathy, and shared joy.
To you, the person who holds something I made: know that it was created with love. It carries a piece of my heart and my hope for a better future. My biggest dream is simple but profound: to regain my freedom, to be a mother, to make up for lost time with my family, to live freely and peacefully, to keep creating, and to find true happiness. Every stitch I make is a step toward that dream and a message that hope can be woven into even the smallest threads.”
“My name is Paula and I’m twenty-six years old. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a preschool teacher because I’ve always loved children and the joy they bring. That dream has stayed in my heart, even as life led me down unexpected paths.
I’ve always loved creating with my hands, but I never imagined I would truly have the chance to experience the joy of bringing something to life from start to finish. Through Nicoletta, I discovered how magical it feels to see what I am capable of. Every finished piece fills me with pride and a deep, indescribable happiness, as if I’m leaving a small piece of my heart in each creation.
Being part of the Nicoletta team was an unexpected blessing, a beautiful surprise I now cherish deeply. From the moment I joined, I felt gratitude and excitement. Knowing that, out of so many people, I was chosen fills me with trust, joy, and a determination to give my best every single day.
To the person who owns something made by me, I want you to know it was created with love, care, and heart. Every stitch, every detail carries my dedication, patience, and passion.
My dream for the future is simple, yet powerful: to regain my freedom, to work, and one day fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a teacher, sharing knowledge, love, and care with children, just as I always imagined.”
“I’m Yessica and I dreamt of becoming a lawyer. Today, my dream is to become a successful businesswoman. Creating with my hands allows me to express what words sometimes can’t: my feelings, my thoughts, my hopes. It’s a way to connect with the world and with myself, to transform emotion into something tangible. Every time I see a finished piece, I feel an incredible sense of pride, knowing that something beautiful was born from my effort and perseverance.
Being part of the Nicoletta team means so much more than just a work opportunity. It means a second chance. It’s a space where I can grow, learn, and rediscover who I am.
From this project, I hope to continue evolving, both personally and professionally, to learn new skills, achieve my goals, and be part of a generation that creates positive change in society.
And to you, the person who now holds something made by me, thank you. Your trust gives meaning to my work. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it, because each piece carries a story, a dream, and a piece of my heart.”
“My name is Nidia, and I’m a mother of three wonderful children, ages seven, fifteen, and nineteen. I am a fighter. As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a dancer, moving to the rhythm of my own dreams. But life led me down different paths, and that dream was left behind. I never imagined that, years later, I would discover a new way to dream, through creating with my hands.
Learning to crochet has opened a door I never knew existed. What once felt impossible now fills me with pride, joy, and a quiet sense of wonder. Every finished piece reminds me that it’s never too late to learn, to grow, and to begin again, that hope can bloom even in the most unexpected places.
Being part of Nicoletta is more than an opportunity. It is a lifeline, a source of hope and light, and a chance to grow in ways I never imagined. This experience has taught me to trust myself, to believe in the power of second chances, and to see that dreams can be reborn, even in the hardest moments.
To the person who wears or uses something I have made, I want to say: treasure it. Hold it close, because every stitch carries my heart, my effort, and my faith. Each piece is crafted with love, patience, and the determination to keep moving forward. I dream of a future where I am with my children, building a life of my own, creating something beautiful with these hands, hands that are helping me heal, rebuild, and dream again.”
“My name is Elizabeth, and I am a daughter of God. Since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of creating through crochet and embroidery. I’ve always loved it, even though no one in my family ever practiced it. It has always been my own little world, a quiet passion I carried in my heart.
Creating with my hands brings me joy like nothing else. It fills me, calms me, and gives me peace. Every time I finish a piece, I feel a deep sense of pride and wonder, seeing something beautiful that I made, stitch by stitch, with my own hands. Being part of Nicoletta is more than a privilege; it is a blessing. Even within these walls, having the chance to work, create, and grow means the world. Nicoletta is not just giving me a skill, it is helping me grow as a person, nurturing patience, care, and hope within me.
To the person who wears or uses something I made, I want to say: thank you. Thank you for valuing what we create, for seeing the love and effort behind every stitch, and for choosing something made with heart.
I dream of continuing to crochet, of pouring my soul into every piece, and of being part of something greater, something born from my own hands, my own heart, and my own hope.”
“I am Carmen, and I am a strong woman who refuses to be defeated. Life has taken me down difficult paths, but it has also taught me that strength is something you build, one stitch, one breath, one dream at a time.
I’ve always longed to create beauty with my hands. For me, creating isn’t just work. It’s a way to speak when words fall short, a way to remember who I am and who I can still become. It’s how I find light and meaning even in my hardest days. Each piece I finish carries a story, of struggle, yes, but also of rebirth. Every thread is a small victory, a reminder that I am still here, still capable, still dreaming.
Nicoletta gave me more than a job. It gave me hope. It gave me a reason to believe that second chances are real, and that what we create can transform not only fabric and thread, but also our lives. Through this work, I’ve learned that we are all more than our past. We are defined by what we choose to build today.
Every item I make is crafted with care, patience, and love, the same love I’m learning to give myself again. My dream is to become an entrepreneur, to keep creating, and to build a new life from everything I’m learning here.
This isn’t just craftwork. It’s my healing. It’s my redemption. It’s proof that beauty can bloom even in the hardest places.”