In Oaxaca, Mexico, there’s a bright yellow house surrounded by almond trees. Inside the house, around 6 a.m. each morning, you can smell the rich aroma of coffee floating through the air. And if you listen closely, you’ll hear the quiet yet furious whir of a sewing machine.
Each day, 21-year-old Dadiva sits in her sewing and embroidery workshop inside her parents’ home, stitching, patching, seaming and dreaming.
Surrounded by vibrant fabric, garment molds and endless thread, she thinks about her growing business while reminiscing about where it all began: under her mother’s embroidery hoop.
Finding Inspiration Under an Embroidery Hoop
When Dadiva was a child, she would sit under her mother’s large embroidery hoop. On the hoop, her mother stitched brightly colored flowers and patterns, a style known as Bordado Istmeño in her region.
Underneath the large rectangular hoop, little Dadiva would watch as her mother, Reina, skillfully moved the needle and thread, and she tried her best to memorize each step. When her mother would get up from the hoop, Dadiva would jump from her hiding spot and try to embroider too, inspired by the beautiful art on the surface.
“After a while, she realized what I was doing, and that’s when she started teaching me how to embroider and sew.” — Dadiva
A Dream Woven From a Sewing Class and a Simple Gift
Dadiva began to immerse herself in the world of embroidery, learning everything she could about the art.
As a participant in the Compassion program, at 11 years old, Dadiva had the opportunity to take a sewing workshop at her Compassion center. Through the workshop, she mastered the basics of embroidery and began to practice her technique.
Empowered by a Sponsor Gift
Dadiva’s sponsor, Joseph, wrote letters to her often, encouraging her and helping her see her potential. And on her 14th birthday, Joseph sent Dadiva a generous financial gift to celebrate her special day.
With this gift, Dadiva was able to buy her very first home sewing machine, a moment that marked her for life.
“I feel very blessed to have my sponsor in my life; he has brought a lot of value to my life.” — Dadiva
New sewing machine in hand and supported by her mother, Dadiva completed another sewing workshop, where she learned the basics of machine sewing. Now equipped with the right knowledge and tools, she began to diligently practice her craft.
Little did she know that with each stitch she made, a dream was taking shape: Owning a sewing business.
A Single Thread of Courage Brought Her Dream to Life
Dadiva continued to grow in her embroidery and sewing skills. At the age of 20, she decided to take the leap and start her own business.
With a business, she’d be able to provide for herself and her family while doing what she loved. But soon, fear and insecurity crept into Dadiva’s heart.
What if she couldn’t make all the clothing her clients desired? What if she made mistakes in the process? What if her clients were unhappy with her work? These thoughts swirled in Dadiva’s mind, threatening to destroy her dream before it even began.
One day, a potential first client came to Dadiva with fabric and asked her to make a garment she had never made before. Looking at the design, Dadiva felt the sting of fear. She didn’t know how to make the cuts or sew the pieces.
For a moment, she thought it best to return the fabric and say no to the work. But glancing at the design again, a small thread of courage rose up in her heart. If she didn’t at least try, where would that leave her dream?
“I was determined to return the fabric, but I remember saying to myself: ‘How am I going to learn to do it if I’m not even giving myself the opportunity to try?’ And that’s how I dared to make the garment despite my insecurities.” — Dadiva
On the day Dadiva finished the project, she beamed at the successful result. In that moment, she realized she could do anything she set her mind to. Equipped with newfound confidence, courage and years of knowledge and practice, Dadiva officially launched her business.
Just three months after opening her business, Dadiva was able to purchase an industrial sewing machine with her earnings. She’s now able to handle more projects, finer details and new types of patterns and garments.
Dadiva’s Future Is Stitched With Promise
Soon, Dadiva hopes to relocate her workshop to a separate location so she can start training and employing others in her community. She also aims to take on more complex projects, creating garments that require more intricate processes.
For now, Dadiva continues to build her business while also volunteering at her Compassion center, where she’s a tutor for children aged three to five. It’s her desire to give back what she has received, helping other children find the courage to achieve their dreams.
“Being in the Compassion program helped me acquire the materials to start my business. Without Compassion, I wouldn’t have learned the basics of embroidery and sewing, and I wouldn’t have met my sponsor, who provided me with a sewing machine. Without all these resources and the support Compassion provided me, I believe I wouldn’t have discovered my passion and potential as a seamstress.” — Dadiva
Every morning, as Dadiva sips her coffee and guides pieces of fabric through her machine, she remembers those early days when all she had was a love for her mother’s bright embroidery. Her heart glows with immense gratitude and hope for a future full of doing what she loves most.
For children living in impoverished communities, a dream can be a lifeline. For Dadiva, her dream of owning a business became a reality, equipping her with the income and stability she needs to thrive and build a brighter future.
Compassion works to equip millions of children living in poverty with opportunities like this, offering vocational training and resources for income generation. You can help us equip a child like Dadiva for a brighter future by becoming a sponsor.
