Hispanic Heritage Series Part III of V
In 1999, Ana Marina Sanchez and her family decided to migrate from Mexico City to Los Angeles to live in a safer area, get an education, and to have a brighter future.
Sanchez, who lived in Los Angeles for around 18 years before moving to Colorado, always felt connected to and had an interest in her culture.
“As a Mexican immigrant woman and all the struggles I had to go through when I was undocumented, I was always yearning to go home, and it was painful for me (when she migrated),” said Sanchez. “When I started going back (to Mexico) and connected with my roots again and people, it gave me such a sense of empowerment because by learning my history, we have so much to bring to the table as immigrant Latinos in the US.”
“I feel like it’s always been in my vision to show why through art and design, our culture and history is so valuable. It’s important to me to remind myself and others by recognizing our greatness, we stand rooted and strong and connected as a whole,” Sanchez added.
Today, Sanchez lives out her vision to show the importance of culture and history through jewelry she creates. Sanchez, a metalsmith, creates handcrafted metal jewelry at Ana Marina Studio. She opened the store last year at 3800 Morrison Road and sells various earrings, necklaces, and other types of jewelry.
“My jewelry is an extension of who I am but also what I’m passionate about — Mexican design, culture and history. I’m passionate about representing and elevating the Latino and Latina culture in the US,” said Sanchez. “When I create something and put my pieces forward, I always think of messages and designs that will empower those who wear them and for them to feel either connected or proud of Latino culture, or to feel connected to their roots and be proud of where they come from.”
Sanchez gains inspiration for her jewelry from the legacy of ancient Meso-American cultures that used jewelry as a form of adornment and to emanate their personal power on to the world. Outside of using metal, she also uses wood and acrylic for her work.
Sanchez has always loved jewelry, but she originally planned to be a teacher. However, after finishing college, she wanted to find ways to do something creative. That’s when she started making jewelry and her friends and family began to show support for her work, giving her the push to start her own business. “Since I got to Colorado, I’ve had a lot of support and opportunities from the Latino community, from different organizations, and different centers that show my work, and let me tell my story, and the work I do with the community,” said Sanchez.
Ana Marina Studio is hosting its one-year anniversary celebration on Oct. 20 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more about the business and to explore Sanchez’s jewelry, visit https://anamarinastudio.com/.
