The Luxury of Handcraft

When we think of handcrafted items in Belize, luxury isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, we often see them as souvenirs—simple keepsakes rather than high-end, bespoke pieces that celebrate craftsmanship and exclusivity. However, in many parts of the world, luxury and handmade craftsmanship go hand in hand. The story behind each creation, the meticulous attention to detail, and the artistry involved add immense value to every piece. While mass-produced items focus on efficiency and affordability, custom, handmade creations stand out for their intentionality and unique value. This philosophy is at the core of Emilio Perrera’s business. He is dedicated to showcasing the luxury in handcrafted artistry, sharing the rich stories behind each piece, and promoting sustainability. Here’s more of what we discovered in this week’s look on the Bright Side.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

Inside this lively studio, designer and artisan Emilio Perrera is fully absorbed in his work, carefully putting the finishing touches on his latest commissioned piece. The soft sound of history podcasts fills the air, perhaps guiding his thoughts as he reflects on a journey that started over a decade ago.

 

Emilio Perrera, Designer Artisan
“It started off as a men’s line and eventually a lot of people were asking me for gifts for their husbands, for their boyfriends, and it was mostly Belizeans. Like 80 percent of my customer-base was Belizean, and my workshop was in Antigua.”

 

Emilio Perrera’s journey began in Guatemala, where he pursued Civil Engineering at the university level. But it didn’t take long for him to find his true calling. He traded in blueprints and calculations for the deeply fulfilling craft of an artisan, where his passion could truly flourish.

Emilio Perrera
“I moved to Guatemala in 2009 to study civil engineering. And throughout that process, I realized it wasn’t for me. Um, there I moved to Lake Atitlan, and in Lake Atitlan, um, moving around with the different people that were living there. And Lake Atitlan is essentially an artisan, uh, how do you say, it’s like a plaza because it’s like a massive lake with volcanoes around, and there’s 12 villages around the lake. And each lake, each village is responsible for a certain craft. After a while, I realized I could do it on my own, so I branched off and started doing Emilio. It began as side projects because a lot of locals in Belize reached out to me in Guatemala asking for gifts, like wallets. I started as a men’s line, making things I liked—wallets, belts, shoes, bags. When I came back home, people saw my stuff and placed orders.”

 

Initially focused on men’s products and high-quality craftsmanship, Emilio found new opportunities for growth as women began requesting custom pieces. This broader audience helped the business thrive.

 

Emilio Perrera
“It took a turn when these women would ask me if I could make a bag? Can I do this? Can I do that? And then I was like, okay. When I started doing that, they were asking me for another color, and I realized there was something here. It was even more beautiful because, working with other handbag companies, I could see the creativity in material use. You could use fabrics, and now you can use an array of different materials in constructing these designs.”

 

Every part of Emilio Perera’s work is crafted by hand, from carefully choosing the materials to the intricate stitching of the leathers. His process is so detailed and precise that he can tell you the exact number of stitches in each piece, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into every creation.

Sabreena Daly

“One of the things that really shocked me was when you said you don’t use a sewing machine. In this case, the handbag you just showed had 500 stitches, and those 500 stitches were done by hand.”

 

Emilio Perrera

“By hand. Yes. Yes.”

A decade later, after navigating growing pains and even an identity crisis, Emilio Perrera looks back and reflects on just how far he has come. His experiences beyond his home country and his deep appreciation for handmade work have shown him the true value and luxury that are often overlooked in handmade art.

Emilio Perrera
“I saw something out there and knew I could contribute in Belize because the luxury industry was changing and shifting, especially in Europe, Asia, and America, where societies were moving towards handmade products. Having been part of this industry for a long time and being involved in the conversations, I foresaw the future of handmade, and that future was green.”

 

Perrera puts sustainability at the core of his work, using raw materials sourced from all over the country. He believes this approach adds both value and uniqueness to his creations, allowing each piece to tell its own story.

Emilio Perrera

“I had to get creative with the materials and making these bags, so I started outsourcing and looking for other alternatives. I discovered a whole new dimension in the creative industry because the forest offers so much. We have all these heritage crafts and traditional skills that I didn’t even know existed. There are artisans hidden away, often known only by word of mouth or found on the side of the street. It was about going out, investigating, researching, and finding these people, then working with them over time to see how the materials complemented the designs I wanted. It’s not about the piece, but the process and the base materials it comes from. All these questions lead up to understanding where each part originates and the hands that made it—this is the ultimate luxury for me. I can trace where the leather comes from, where the coconut comes from, and the artisans who crafted it. The story behind each piece is what truly sells it and what matters most. This also ties into the sustainability factors, emphasizing the importance of knowing the production chain. Having full control over all of this meant I needed to base everything here.”

 

In the end, it’s the dedication to quality, sustainability, and storytelling that sets Emilio Perrera’s handmade creations apart. Each piece is more than just a luxury item; it’s a testament to rich heritage, exceptional craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the land and people of Belize. Looking on the Bright side, I’m Sabreena Daly.