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Giannini

"I'm Constanza Forero Serrano de Gonzáles and I'm from Colombia. I studied interior design, architectural design and drawing at Cali University. I met my husband when he was traveling through Columbia, and we've been together ever since. I came to Peru to meet his family, and I never left! We married and had three children, two girls and a boy.

"Before, my life was about doing a lot of charity work, like raising funds for children and the aged. I used to do this up to two years ago, when my second daughter died in a car accident. She was only 20 years old and I was overcome by desperation. I didn't know how to get back on my feet. One day I found myself staring at a wardrobe, and inside I found some weaves I had once brought from Colombia. All of a sudden, it struck me: I needed to make something that would take my pain away.

"I yelled out to my daughter, 'Giannini, help me out, what should I do?' Looking at the weaves it came to me, I would start making handbags. My daughter used to love handbags, so I took her name as my artistic name. I honor her memory through my designs.

"My oldest son decided to go a university in the United States. he still finds it painful to live here and have everything remind him of his sister. My youngest daughter decided to return to the school where she studied with her big sister. She wants to follow in her footsteps and she honors her memory by celebrating life. She's like a breath of fresh air for us. Both my son and daughter are walking hand in hand through the path of life.

"In my designs I search for colorful combinations. That is my life now. I'm in the middle of this path. I am constantly aware of the fashion trends and I don't allow myself to get stuck with one particular design.

"I held my first exhibition at home, and the way people reacted to my designs gave me the courage to continue. I was filled with excitement when I saw all my bags had been sold!

"Today I live with the illusion of forward, and I'm pleased by it. I'm also happy to keep my mind busy and put all of my best with each design. And, I can count on the support of my husband, who is always close by."