Pilar Ureña Escariz

I am Pilar Ureña, a vegetable fibre weaver, specifically weavers from banana cultivation. I live in the Canaries, where 5 of the 7 islands have bananas as their main crop. My company has just taken off with very good prospects.

TEXTURA NATURA is a vocational project, forged years ago and taking shape now. It is supported by textile techniques. Using manual work, I transform discarded banana plantations into secondary raw materials and create resistant, very light textures with great aesthetic power that I use in pieces for interior design and fashion. I work on request and collaborate with fashion designers and architects who seek a natural and careful aesthetic.

My business objectives are:

I intend to live from this work through the production of pieces and the transmission of knowledge developed in the combination of the transformation of agricultural residues and artisanal textile techniques.

My learnings from the Crafting Business Programme:

This training has helped me to see potentialities that strengthen the project.

My 5 top tips that I have learnt on this journey:

1. Importance of brand image.
2. Value of a language of its own.
3. Sustainability and excellence as starting points.
4. The importance of collaborations.
5. Innovation is a path full of possibilities.