Angela’s Hands: Creating What Eyes Cannot See

At Fine Obsession, we believe in the transformative power of stories—their ability to inspire, connect, and spark change. Today, we are honored to share the story of Angela Muñoz Herrera, an extraordinary woman whose courage and determination have made her one of the first entrepreneurs in our growing network. Her beautiful handmade bracelets are now available on our website, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward financial independence.

Meet Angela

Born in Ecuador and now residing in Panama—a country she lovingly calls home—Angela proudly describes herself as "eco-Panamanian." Angela is an entrepreneur and artisan who learned the craft of making bracelets during her time at the Universidad for the Blind in Panamá.  In the image from left to right is: Edgar | Angela | Monique

One small act changed everything: a family friend gifted her a set of threads to make a bracelet, which she then gifted to her husband Edgar, who by the way is also blind. He then encouraged her to sell the bracelets she made. That initial push led Angela to sell her first designs within her community, and was so excite to have sold them all. Eventually she saving enough to invest in more materials and even get married!  What began as a modest effort to support her household grew into a purposeful livelihood that has brought meaning and joy to her life.

A Day in Angela’s Life

Angela’s daily life is driven by devotion and creativity. Her mornings start early, as she lovingly prepares breakfast for her husband before immersing herself in her work. As she crafts her bracelets, she listens to classic novels, allowing her imagination to flow while her hands bring unique designs to life. Her passion for weaving is relentless, and as long as she has the materials she needs, nothing can stop her.

Once her bracelets are ready, Angela leaves her home to sell them. Navigating her environment is no small feat; her neighborhood is filled with steep stairs and hills. Yet, she has adapted with remarkable grace. There are moments when she relies on the kindness and support of others, as her surroundings lack auditory and sensory signage—an area where our country has room for improvement.

Currently, Angela doesn’t have a permanent place to sell her creations, so she often sets up at the Albrook transportation terminal. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to conflicts with authorities who don’t allow her to stay, which is one of the many reasons we are working to help Angela sell her bracelets online. Through this effort, we hope to empower her to overcome these challenges and bring her talent to a wider audience.

Reflecting on Disability

Angela shares a powerful truth: “Disability is not synonymous with poverty or inability. It is a challenge, yes, but it is not insurmountable. People with disabilities also have dreams, goals, and the desire to move forward.” Her words capture the essence of her spirit and the mission of Fine Obsession—to empower individuals with disabilities to seize opportunities and become agents of change in their own lives and communities.

A New Beginning with Fine Obsession

When asked how she feels about her bracelets being included in Fine Obsession’s Inclusion Boxes, Angela’s excitement is palpable: “Oh, I’m so happy! This is the first time someone has given me this kind of opportunity. I hope everything goes well and that this can grow, so others with disabilities can also have their chance.” Her enthusiasm fuels our hope and reaffirms our mission: to uplift the talents of individuals like Angela who, despite the odds, fight tirelessly to create a brighter future.

A Message for You

Angela wants everyone who wears her bracelets to know they’re more than just accessories. They are symbols of resilience, hope, and triumph. She hopes you feel the love and dedication she’s woven into every thread.

Angela and Accessible Technology

Beyond her bracelets, Angela reflects on her experiences with social media and technology. Tools like VoiceOver and JAWS have allowed her to engage with platforms that are increasingly accessible. However, she emphasizes the importance of including detailed, accessible descriptions in posts, ensuring that visually impaired individuals can enjoy content equally. To do this you can add ALT Text to you images. 

Angela is an inspiration to us all, and we are certain her story will touch your heart as deeply as it has touched ours. At Fine Obsession, we are committed to sharing stories like Angela’s because we believe in building a more inclusive world filled with opportunities for everyone.

Visit our website to explore Angela’s bracelets and discover more inspiring stories like hers. Thank you for being part of this journey!

- Thank you for Reading