Mariaelena and her husband have a cosy shop in the San Blas artisan area of Cusco.

Her husband paints the intricate designs on wooden or ceramic plates and Mariaelena hand-knits beautiful sweaters.

When I visited the shop, I had the added pleasure of meeting and playing with 3-year-old Fiorella. She keeps her madre company while her two older brothers, ages 7 and 10, attend school.

The shop is located on the left, at the top of the incline along the left side of the San Blas Church.