Meet Debora Rosental | Fiber Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debora Rosental and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debora, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I was born in Argentina where I studied Biochemistry and Pharmacy. During my professional career I took many risks knowing they were the only path to growth. With each opportunity presented to me, I considered what could be learned from the experience. From working at hospitals to pursuing my Phd or considering my own private practice, I always had weaving as my hobby.

Emigrating to the United States with my husband and kids in 2001 was one of the biggest risks I ever took. It was a new start, new culture, new lifestyle. It was hard but worth the effort. When I look back at the early years of immigration I ask myself: how did we make it?
Not long ago I decided to take another risk by creating my own brand for my handwoven products : Aieka Hand Woven Elements. The whole branding process was enriching, and putting the purpose of my brand into words was amazing.

Being a Latin American immigrant living in the United States gave me the opportunity to look at my roots and heritage, at what makes me unique, and to celebrate that.

My weaving is a way to stay connected with my identity.

Living in Miami gave me the chance to connect with other Latin American fiber artists, which opened up my perspective, allowing me to bond with them.
My attitude towards opportunities and risks in life is always driven by the same question I asked while doing scientific research: “What if?”. And that simple question gives me the courage to try.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Fiber Artist, a hand weaver – lover of colors, textures, and the challenges each new project brings with it. I have been weaving for more than 30 years and was encouraged by my husband and sons to transform my hobby into something more meaningful. That was the moment I started to think about the purpose of my weaving. I created my brand “Aieka Hand Woven Elements” with the idea of preserving the ancient art of weaving. With my work I intend to transmit audacity, authenticity, joy and peace. I create my pieces to be enjoyed as much as I enjoy the process of making them.
I like to explore how fiber arts can be a tool to bring awareness of social issues, like femininity, equality, resilience. My Artwork mostly focuses on that.
I have the courage to take a new life path after becoming an empty nester; along the same line, I think we all have second chances, we have to trust ourselves and take the risk. There would always be ups and downs in the process but if you love what you do never give up, that’s my motto.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There many places I love in Miami! I would take them to a bike ride in Coral Gables through the Old Cuttler trail, I love all the Banyan trees along the road. I would visit the Fairchild Botanical Garden, Key Biscayne, Crandon Park, and pay a visit to the Lighthouse there. If they are not lazy to wake up early in the morning I would not miss sunrise at the beach! If I have to recommend a place to eat, no doubt Fiorito in Little Haiti would be the place!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family. My husband, sons and daughter in law who always support me and are my biggest fans! My mom was a role model for me, she was a professional independent woman who also was an avid knitter, Also I’d like to recognize Aurora Molina, she is a Fiber Artist, one of the founders of FAMA (Fiber Artists Miami Association), she encourages me to pursue my passion, her enthusiasm is contagious and her creativity endless.

Website: aiekaelements.com

Instagram: Aieka Hand Woven Elements

Facebook: Aieka Hand Woven Elements

Image Credits
Amanda Ron