We’re looking forward to introducing you to Maria Sarobeiki Ortiz. Check out our conversation below.
Maria Sarobeiki , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Definitely walking a path . My path is continuous resistance. Ensuring that my culture survives and thrives .
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maria Sarobeiki Ortiz , and i am a fiber artist that specializes in the taino culture and much more .I have been running my crochet business “Golden Hook Designs” since 2016 . I make dolls that represent different aspects of the taino culture and also many things that have to do with Boriken . I chose to start creating tainos dolls when I heard from multiple people that the taino are extinct. I jumped up and said “Hello do you not see me “!!! We grew up knowing our bloodline was taino, so how could we be extinct ? The paper genocide was successful in diminishing our people and continuous culture . My main goal with the “My heritage “doll collection is to spread the culture to our children, to fight this stigma of extinction.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have always been me , no matter what others or society thought of me . I am funny, loving and also a fighter . I have gone through a lot in my life from an early age that shaped me to not care what anyone thinks I am or what I should be doing . I believe in Karma , you get back what you put out in this world .
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The most defining wound of my life was when my 5 year old youngest son passed away unexpectedly, on October 17,2022. RSV took my child from me and till this day I don’t think this wound will ever close to be honest.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes , yes it is . I carry myself the same every where I go . No matter the audience. Trying to be something im not is way too much work . I choose not to live in a façade. Yo soy Boricua , every where I go. I honor my ancestors, I walk proud , stand tall and never back down. I dont associate with everyone and if I don’t like you , you will definitely know.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Honestly that’s the story of my life . I don’t live for the praise. I actually rather be in the background. I just want my work to reach the right people that would give it to their children and keep hope thriving. I’ve made taino dolls for children and seeing the smiles on their faces is enough for me . There’s been plenty of times that I created something first and nobody sees it but then here comes someone else copying it and gets all the praise , so you get used to not being seen sadly .
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenhookdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldenhookdesigns/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhookdesigns
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