Guerrera Spotlight
Maria, Carmen, and Aide of
Emmita’s Crafty Three
When we create together, we grow stronger together – "Juntas podemos "
Maria, Carmen, and Aide of Emmita’s Crafty Three
Honoring their mother Emma's creative legacy, the three hermanas of Emmita's Crafty 3 – Maria, Carmen, and Aide – transform fabric, yarn, and paper into handcrafted treasures that celebrate the vibrant spirit of their Mexican heritage. From Carmen's expertly sewn pouches featuring vibrant and culturally relevant prints, to Aide's bold "Chula, Cabrona, Chingona" pins, to Maria's lovingly crafted Amigurumi dolls of La Virgen de Guadalupe, each piece tells the story of their Mexican heritage and creative sisterhood that began in the 90s. These vendedoras chingonas embody the Adelita spirit we cherish – breaking molds, uplifting culture, and creating beauty that connects generations through craft. Now proudly featured at Adelita's Revenge, the Emmita's Crafty 3 sisters remind us that when we create together, we grow stronger together – "Juntas podemos!"
About You & Your Hustle
Tell us a little about yourself y tu negocio!
Q. What sparked that fire to start your own business?
My name is Carmen and I am part of Emmita's Crafty 3 with my older sister Maria and younger sister Aide. We actually started selling our art at craft fairs in the 90's. They're called popups now, but back then they were known as pulgas, swap-meets or craft fairs. We would always go together, the three of us and in order not to be charged three times for the vendor fee we decided to name it Emmita's Crafty 3 after my mom, Emma. She was a very creative person and the three of us together were her crafty 3. At first it was a fun hobby, but in 2014 we began doing regular craft fairs in Montebello and we sold really well there. We've been going strong ever since.
Q. What creations do you bring to life, and what makes them extra special?
I made button and felt dolls back then, but now I make everything from household goods to holiday decorations and ornaments. One of my best sellers are the bags, pouches and coin purses I sew. I also make kitchen stuff too like tortilleras, the tortilla warmers, oven mitts, place mats, and potholders. Aide makes pocket mirrors and button pins with popular images of people and characters. She uses a lot of Latinx icons like Frida Kahlo, Jenny Rivera and Selena. Dia de los muertos and Dodgers pins are among the favorites. She makes them in English and Spanish with cool references like "Chula, Cabrona, Chingona" or "100% Chicana". Maria makes crochet Amigurumi and felt dolls. All by hand. She also makes them in a variety of characters like Bad Bunny, Selena, La Virgen de Guadalupe, Axolotls, and Mariachi dolls. She even made an Adelita Amigurumi doll.
Q. How does your cultura show up in your work?
Our Mexican heritage shows up in all of our art. We use powerful and funny Spanish words and phrases on pins. It's in the vibrant fabric I choose, it's in the images that Aide uses for her pins and it shows up in the Latinx dolls that Maria makes. It shows up in how hard we work on our craft, because we come from a long line of hard working people. We pop up at Day of the Dead events and mercados that serve the Latin community.
The Creative Process & Jefa Magic
“If you love creating and want to start your own hustle—just go for it. You’ll grow, learn, and get stronger through every step. Confidence is key. - Carmen
Q. ¿Qué te inspira? Where do you pull inspiration from?
I come from a creative family so as a kid my mom, my grandma and my Tia inspired me to create. My mom was my original inspiration when she taught me how to sew on her vintage Singer machine. The first things I made on my own were Barbie clothes and I got really good. She would also create unique things out of household items. It's not like nowadays where you can buy craft supplies online or at a store. I remember in the 70's my mom would make these beautiful roses out of colored nylon hosiery and pipe wire. My Tia, who lives in Tecate, embroiders beautifully on clothing and to this day she'll send pictures that will inspire me. My grandma taught me and my sisters how to crochet and crocheting Doilies is a lot of hard work you know, but she would make beautiful ones with so much detail. My sisters and I inspire each other too. We share craft ideas and patterns from Pinterest for one another and we motivate each other to do it. It's what we do as sisters.
Q. Walk us through your creative process—how do you turn an idea into something people can hold and cherish?
It’s different for each of us sisters, but for me it actually starts with the fabric, because it's the print that inspires what I make with it. Most of the time I make pouches in different sizes, because those are my best sellers. I love using fun fabric that is culturally relevant like Bad Bunny themed, Frida, Pride prints and Dia de los Muertos too. I follow a pattern to cut the material and I use the sewing machine to assemble the fabric and add the zipper.
Q. What do you hope people feel when they take home a piece of your work?
I hope they feel joy. When someone purchases an item of ours I tell them to enjoy it. My sisters and I have had so much fun making everything we sell and it feels special when they buy one of our things. It makes us want to make more things to sell.
Community & Cultura
Q. What does being a vendor at Adelita's Revenge mean to you?
Being a part of Adelita's is really special to us, because we love the community and the support that we get from each other. Yvonne does a great job of making everyone feel welcome by sharing the space with all of us vendors and artists. I'm with like-minded women who want to craft and create. My art gets appreciated and I get to learn from other women too. Additionally, she promotes our culture, heritage, a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being. I have learned so much. During the week it's hard for us to get over there, but it's important for us to stay connected and involved with the Adelita’s community.
Support Emmita’s Crafty Three Work
👉 Follow their journey on Instagram @emmitas_crafty_3
📍 Find her at pop-ups & events hosted by AdelitasRevenge