Today we’d like to introduce you to Indira Sánchez
Hi Indira, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Valencia, Venezuela, where my roots and time with my grandma Celina sparked my love for art. After getting a degree in Chemistry, I worked for almost ten years in the food and science field. But art has always been close to my heart, thanks to my grandma’s early influence. I remember being eleven when my grandma introduced me to this Japanese friend of hers. They were talking about something called origami, and suddenly I was creating paper figures and feeling genuinely fascinated by the activity.
Life took a big turn in 2016 when I moved to the United States and found love. Getting married and starting a new life was an exciting adventure. Then, at the end of 2019, our family was blessed even more with the arrival of our dear daughter. But then COVID hit, and suddenly I was a stay-at-home mom in the middle of a global crisis. It was a crazy time, but with my little one around, I found myself drawn back to paper. This time, it was paper flowers that captivated me. Then in 2020, Yiyagami began as a small business, creating wedding bouquets and floral arrangements for various events, including special commissions for families and private companies.
The pandemic also brought unique opportunities for growth as an artist. I participated in online workshops and I launched my first online course, connecting with artists and art lovers from around the world. Recently this year, I launched my online school to teach botanical art in paper. I have embraced online platforms to showcase my work and expand my clientele.
Today, my art has become an integral part of my identity, a reflection of my resilience, creativity, and love for beauty. I am deeply grateful for the journey that has led me to this point, and I look forward to sharing my art with the world for many years to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly hasn’t been a walk in the park. While the pandemic presented its own set of challenges, the biggest hurdle has been finding the balance between my artistic passion and the realities of running a business. First, connecting with an audience that truly appreciates the handmade aspect of my art has been a unique journey. But the most unexpected twist has been having to learn absolutely everything about running a business! From designing my own website and presenting professional proposals to clients, to developing marketing strategies and creating engaging content for my audience, it’s been a crash course in entrepreneurship.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create incredibly realistic paper botanical art, specializing in meticulously crafted paper flowers and fruits. I’m known for my attention to detail and the lifelike quality of my creations as well for developing eye-catching visuals for social media. I use a variety of materials, including crepe paper, cotton, air-dry clay, and even plaster of Paris, to capture the intricate textures and dimensions of real flowers.
I’m incredibly proud of the level of detail and realism I achieve in my paper flowers. It takes a lot of patience, practice, and a keen eye to recreate the intricate beauty of nature using paper.
What sets me apart is my deep interest in the botanical world. I believe that understanding the science behind every flower enhances the artistic process. This passion translates into my online masterclasses and courses. I invite my students to discover the fascinating science behind each project by incorporating flower dissections. This experience allows them to have a deeper connection with their creations and inspiring them to create their own unique botanical art.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis brought big changes for me. I had to stop working as a chemist and take care of my newborn daughter during the pandemic lockdown. During this time, I rediscovered my love for making paper flowers, which led me to start Yiyagami, a business creating wedding bouquets and floral arrangements. I also started offering online workshops and launched my first online course on creating realistic paper flowers. Later, I launched my online school to teach botanical art. These experiences have been life-changing, helping me connect with people worldwide and grow as an artist during a challenging period.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yiyagami.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiyagami
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063662016331
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yiyagami
