Hoja de Roble
Derly Molina is a leathermaker and instructor from Sogamoso, Boyacá. Derly discovered her passion for crafting after earning her degree in Industrial Design and founded Hoja de Roble in 2018, blending her design expertise with local identity. Over the years, she had opportunities to live in other places in Colombia, and spent some time in Argentina. This has allowed her to meet wonderful people who taught her the art of handmade and inspired many of her leather products today.
As an instructor, Derly is committed to passing on her knowledge and skills to the next generation of artisans. She has a deep respect for the wisdom and knowledge that these artisans possess and strives to learn from them whenever possible. She is deeply moved by the dedication and love that these skilled artisans have for their land and their roots. Through her work, Derly aims to preserve and promote the cultural traditions and techniques of leathermaking that have been passed down through generations. She believes that by honoring these traditions, we can keep them alive and ensure that they continue to enrich our lives and contribute to our cultural heritage. Derly often works directly with vulnerable populations, such as people with disabilities and women victims of armed conflict, by teaching them valuable techniques to improve their quality of life. One of Derly’s proudest achievements was representing Boyacá on the Colombiamoda runway, where the worlds of craftsmanship and fashion merge together. This experience was an emotional and personally fulfilling moment that validated her passion and dedication.
I met Derly Molina in 2022 when I first launched my organization. It had no name, no direction - just an idea. From the very beginning, she was one of the few artists who believed in my vision and lent her support to make Sumerce Artisans what it is today. Since then, Derly has been invaluable to me and someone who reminds me time and time again why we do what we do. With her extensive network of contacts throughout Colombia, Derly helps me connect with new artisans and would often join me as my liaison.
What I admire most about Derly is her unwavering dedication to her craft and her tireless efforts to empower other artisans. Derly understands that by investing in others, she can help to improve their lives and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the artisan community in Sugamuxi. Through her work, she is not only creating beautiful leather products but also training other artists to improve their craft and find their own unique voice. I am incredibly grateful for Derly's continued support and inspiration.
In 2018, Derly created Hoja de Roble, an organization that incorporates her love of design with local identity. Born and raised in Sogamoso, Boyacá, Derly Molina studied Industrial Design and has since worked in the artisan sector. Her craftsmanship preserves the traditional techniques of Boyacá - a craft that transmits culture, knowledge, and tradition into every leather product.
