Atheria is a project committed to preserving the essence and cultural identity of the peoples of the Americas, being mindful of their land, diversity, and collective memory. Its mission is to safeguard traditional craft practices by fostering a close connection between master artisans and new markets, guided by a fair-trade approach that defines the goals and foundational pillars of Atheria.
Lorena Páez Iturralde
Co-Founder
With 20 years of experience in the cultural and artisanal sector, she has maintained a strong and continuous connection to this field. She played an active role on the technical team of the Inter-American Center of Handicrafts and Popular Arts (CIDAP), where she also served as Deputy Director of Technical Promotion for Artisanal and Cultural Development. During this time, she gained firsthand understanding of the reality and spirit of Ecuador’s artisan communities, leading various initiatives and projects focused on strengthening, promoting, and training these communities.
Drawing on her extensive experience, she is now part of the Atheria team, where she is responsible for the selection, quality control, and curation of the products featured on this commercial platform.
A project dedicated to serving artisan communities through an ethical, fair, and collaborative vision.
Bladimir Encalada Quezada
Co-Founder
He has 19 years of experience in the business sector, 14 of them in senior management positions within renowned Ecuadorian companies. His career has focused on financial management, administrative leadership, and the development of international relations.
His professional ethics, commitment, and strategic vision led him to join the Atheria team, where he is responsible for general administration, international relations, financial–accounting management, and organizational oversight.
A dedicated initiative that uplifts artisanal work, grounded in respect, social responsibility, and genuine collaboration with the communities.
