My name is Gabi Goitía, an Argentine embroiderer and textile artist behind "Tejiendo Raíces". My journey began in 2013 after I graduated in anthropology and found myself with plenty of free time and little job satisfaction. A friend's encouragement to create led me to pick up knitting supplies and ask my mom for lessons. Inspired by family traditions, I quickly started making and selling pieces. As demand grew, I began organizing workshops to teach others, which added a new dimension to the project. The real turning point came in 2015 during a honeymoon in Mexico, where I fell in love with local embroidery. Since then, "Tejiendo Raíces" has evolved into a project that blends tradition with personal expression, continuing to honor the handcrafts of the past.



What inspired you to start this project, and what has been your greatest satisfaction since its inception?

At first, I wouldn't call it "inspiration", but I needed something to occupy my time and mind. Creating with my hands became a refuge and eventually my job, bringing a sense of joy I'd never experienced before. This joy drives me to keep creating; loving what I do is my greatest inspiration.

My biggest satisfaction comes from turning an unfavorable situation into a successful project that supports my family. It allows me freedom and independence, letting me enjoy time with my daughter, pursue activities I love, and travel. I'm grateful for this life and the personal growth it has brought me.

Teaching embroidery has also been incredibly rewarding. The love and recognition from my students continue to surprise me and provide a beautiful return of energy when I give from the heart.



Could you describe the creative process behind your pieces and what techniques you typically use?

How do you stay inspired and creative in your everyday life?

Not everyone can be inspired every day, and it’s normal to experience creative blocks. I’m a very consistent person, and I’ve learned to create and stick to routines, a skill I developed during my university days. When I hit a creative slump, I try to understand the cause by paying attention to how factors like tiredness, diet, stress, and anxiety affect my work. I’ve found that physical activity, such as running (which I started recently), helps me release tension and clear my mind.

To stay organized, I maintain a structured schedule: I work out early in the morning when my daughter is at school, then shower, have breakfast, prepare my mate, and start working. I use task lists to keep track of my daily goals and make the most of my daughter’s school hours. Sometimes, my husband and I work at a café to break up the monotony of working from home. In the afternoons, our schedule is more flexible to accommodate family needs, with my husband supporting both domestic tasks and the project’s technical, accounting, and administrative aspects.

I’m also learning to embrace downtime, even though it’s challenging. I’ve found that allowing myself to rest and take breaks provides a valuable boost of energy and inspiration.



Could you share a special story or anecdote that has come about through this project?

How do you see the future of embroidery art in an increasingly digital world?

 Although artificial intelligence is making its mark, particularly through Instagram profiles showcasing AI-generated embroidery and art, there’s an enduring value in hands-on, personal creation. People still seek the tactile experience of making things themselves and connecting with others, a need that became especially clear during and after the pandemic. Textile activities, particularly those done in group settings, offer a unique experience that AI cannot replicate. Workshops go beyond teaching; they provide a space for sharing, bonding, and finding comfort. Even in a world overwhelmed by digital experiences, the fundamental need for human connection remains strong. Manual crafts are experiencing a significant resurgence, offering a meaningful way to create and share stories in an increasingly virtual world.



What advice would you give to someone starting out in the world of embroidery and traditional crafts?

My top piece of advice is to approach your craft with professionalism and readiness to invest in it. There’s a romantic but mistaken notion that if you love making handmade products, you shouldn’t charge what they’re worth. Many people mistakenly say, "It doesn’t cost me anything," when discussing pricing, but that's far from the truth. Recognizing that creating and teaching crafts is a legitimate job is crucial for proper valuation.

To succeed, invest in your business: educate yourself, maintain clear financial records, and if needed, hire experts. Organize your schedule like any other job. Independent work demands discipline and commitment. Moreover, understand that success doesn’t come overnight. It took me years to establish my business effectively. The idea that you can launch a business and quit your day job in one day is not only unrealistic but also damaging, leading to unnecessary frustration. Genuine entrepreneurship requires substantial commitment, continuous learning, and strategic investment.

Finally, what projects or future plans do you have for "Tejiendo Raíces"?

Oh, what to say? In October of this year, I will achieve a long-time goal of traveling to Mexico and offering workshops in various spaces. It’s something I had been planning for a while but hadn’t managed to finalize, and this year I’ve finally laid the groundwork for it to happen. In the future, I hope that such travel + work experiences can occur more frequently.

On the other hand, the idea is for "Tejiendo Raíces" to have a more solid structure where we can start incorporating others from the field to be part of the classes and experiences. We want to broaden the scope and give deserving value to the project, turning it from a primarily personal endeavor into a broader initiative where participants in our classes can access a variety of perspectives and techniques.

It’s been a pleasure having you with us, Gabi! Your journey from a curious beginner to a passionate textile artist is truly inspiring. We’re eager to see how your creativity continues to evolve.

To our readers, be sure to immerse yourself in Gabi’s beautiful world of embroidery and textiles by following her on Instagram. Until our next feature, keep embracing your own creative passions, Gabi!