WOMEN'S MONTH  

Without women, Someone Somewhere would not be possible. For this reason, during this Women's Month, we will share the stories and experiences of Nadine, Dani, and Pam. Three women who, through their leadership and talent, transform each of their areas in order to impact lives and generate change in the world. 

Dani

Dani is a designer at Someone Somewhere, but she is also a passionate feminist. She, like many others at this moment, calls for a fairer and safer place for all women in Mexico. For this reason, she has actively participated in various feminist demonstrations such as those on International Women's Day #8M. In addition, this struggle led her to build her own project, Dani Draws, an Instagram account where she creates illustrations of women in their daily lives, and also about the feminist protest that we are currently experiencing in the country. We spoke with Dani and this is what she told us.

Let's start with the rise of the feminist movement in Mexico and around the world. We have seen how, in recent years, illustrations that reclaim the female body have grown. As an illustrator and feminist, how do you think this has influenced your work?

Personally, I have been inspired by many national and international illustrators. Generally, I like to follow more female illustrators than male, because I love to see the feminine perspective in their drawing; that inspires me to express my own. I believe that illustration is a way of expressing how you see things. With the movement and everything that is happening, it helps us to express how women see our bodies, society, and even the movement itself. When you are a feminist, anger and helplessness are often present, but at the same time, illustration is a way to fight against what needs to be changed, to convey what you are feeling, to share it, and to help other women to be inspired in any field, not just in illustration itself or in painting. The important thing is that they can share what they are feeling. Today, society is changing its view, and it is no longer just the male perspective that is dominant, but women are being included in all aspects of life. Illustration is a very good way to provide that vision that only women have.

What do you seek to express through your illustration, what would be your inner flame? 

I've always loved drawing and illustration. For me, it's a way to channel my feelings. There are days when those feelings are more positive, and that is reflected in my drawings. However, there are also days when I carry emotions—I don't want to say negative, but a little heavier. Illustration has helped me to put everything down on pen and paper so as not to keep anything to myself, to let out both the good and the bad. It's like a catharsis that I try to do daily. While I don't publish everything, I like to convey what I'm feeling at that moment. On the other hand, I'm inspired by the feminist cause and women, so I also love being able to be part of the movement through my illustrations.

We understand very well what you tell us; illustrating helps you deal with so many emotions that this social struggle leaves us with, doesn't it?

Exactly. In the news, every day we see another femicide or another case of impunity. Sometimes I get so angry that I want to go out and scream at everyone, but by illustrating, I find a way to keep fighting and at the same time not get caught up in those feelings. The feminist movement is not going to end with our generation; it will be something for many generations, but that does not mean that, by not seeing instant changes, we should stop fighting. That's why it helps me a lot to express these feelings of powerlessness on the screen and on paper.

What challenges do you see today as a female designer and illustrator?

In design, a large part of the jobs are held by women. For example, the women who work in manufacturing, seamstresses, and those who do all the designing. However, most of the time, the head of the team ends up being a man. Many times, women find ourselves behind the scenes. For this reason, it seems incredible to me that in recent years we can see more female CEOs or more women's businesses for women; it means that we are already changing the scheme. As a woman, both in design and in any field of work, you have to fight for your place more than a man; you have to constantly prove yourself. This makes Someone Somewhere a perfect platform for me because we have never encountered these inequalities. It is an example for us as women; it has taught us that you can work in an equitable work environment. Many still believe that these environments where they cannot grow are normal. Someone Somewhere makes us see that it does not necessarily have to be that way, that you yourself can create, either your own workspace or make your own community where women grow alongside men based solely on their talent.

In your words, what makes Someone Somewhere different in promoting the growth of women?

At SS, we have always been listened to; we have always been given that place of trust to talk about our development and also about our disagreements. Every time we raise our voices, we are never silenced or ignored; on the contrary, we are encouraged to keep proposing, we are encouraged to keep giving feedback. That is something very valuable because when someone listens to your voice and is interested in what you have to say, it empowers you. All the women here have experienced that. The moment we feel something, both positive and negative, we have this space in Someone Somewhere to express ourselves and know that we will be heard, and it's all for the better! For me, the most valuable thing is that they have given us this space so that we can grow. They place a lot of trust in us, and we can see it in all the positions and areas we work in; there's a reason we're here. All these factors help us as women to continue doing our work and to be an example for other women.

Speaking of your work at Someone Somewhere, how would you define the experience of working hand in hand on designs with Mexican artisans? 

Without a doubt, it has been one of the most incredible things about Someone Somewhere because it manages to incorporate two design worlds. It's not about one having more priority than the other, but about equally combining what we know here with what they know. Every time we go to a community, they teach us the technique, all the meanings, where it comes from, and from there, we can start to integrate things between the two sides. It's not just about taking their designs and changing their color, but about understanding the meaning they give to their work. It has been a gradual process, where not only have we learned over the years, but they have also understood what we know. It's great to see that now they are encouraged to propose. Because, at first, whenever we worked on a new project, they were afraid, they thought they wouldn't be able to do it or that the task was too difficult. Because of how they have lived, their social situation and everything, they were very shy. But, over time, they always said yes, and now they have the attitude to work with us and achieve an incredible result. We have even developed the confidence to treat each other like comrades, laugh together, and create a wonderful work environment. It's great to remember where they started and see how much they have grown, how they trust themselves, how they propose what else can be done and how the result can be better. In the end, they empower us, and we empower them.

Is there a specific experience you have learned from working with artisan women?

In particular, it has taught me resilience because, for example, our full-time job at Someone Somewhere is to be designers, but for them, their full-time job is not handicrafts. Artisans have to go to the fields, they have to take care of their children, many times they have other jobs, they have to attend to their businesses. And, at the same time, they always get the job done on time. They always try to give their best. I am fortunate to know almost all the communities; I know those in Puebla, Estado de México, and Hidalgo. I know them and I love them all. They inspire me on days when you feel down or have many things to do, because the truth is that anything is possible; with them, I have learned that with just organization, everything works out. It's great to work alongside them, because many times, when we visit them to work with them, they bring their children, they bring food, and you can see how they balance their whole lives. That is something very valuable.

Finally, do you have any advice or reflections you'd like to share with us? 

I can only say that learning about feminism has made my life better in all aspects. Learning what it's about, its entire history, has improved my professional self, my emotional self, my relationship with myself, my relationship with my friends, who have become more like sisters. I would love for more women to get involved in feminism, but I believe it's something you can't impose; rather, each person comes to it in their own time. Feminism pushes you for the better in all aspects. Speaking of the professional aspect, many times you already know your place, you start associating with the right people. For me, it has been a turning point in my life, a before and after. Many times you don't realize certain ideas until you stop and think. There are times when feminism is feared because it is considered aggressive. But in reality, it's like putting on glasses, and once you put them on, you can't take them off; you can no longer ignore the problem, you can no longer remain silent. I can say that since I put on those glasses, my vision changed for the better, and I will never take them off.

 We thank Dani for telling us a little more about herself and sharing her illustrations with us. For us, it is an honor to work with such an inspiring woman. At Someone Somewhere, our team is currently made up of 62% women.

Dani is wearing the Women's Bubblegum Hoodie inspired by the Tenangos of Tenango de Doria, Hidalgo.
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