#CIJRoadTrip – Chile: Santiago

Contributor post by Megha of byTheArtBug

Let’s travel to Chile- Santiago with Valentina Cáceres’ of JuguetesEloisa

1. What city do you live in? What makes it special? 

Hi! I am from Chile. I live in the capital, Santiago.
Chile is known for its wine and also for some touristic places such as Torres del Paine and Isla de Pascua (where the Moais come from). Here we have the Andes, a mountain range that goes from nort to almost the southesnmost part of our country.

2. What are several places everyone visiting your country should see?

I think Chile is a really beautiful country where you can travel to different climates and cities. In the north we have great beaches and a beautiful desert that blooms in winter! It is called the flowering desert.

Santiago

At the center of the country, where Santiago is, you have also Viña del Mar and other places, with great beaches, and beautiful countryside little towns. Also here is the main area where the vinyards are.

Santiago-La Moneda

Santiago in particular is the bigest city in the country, and with more population. Here you find from lot of shopping areas, to beautiful historical buldings and also great natural parks near the city.

Green-backed Firecrown

Finally, the south of the country is all very green and with lot of gorgeous little towns. I particularly Love the Chiloé Island, full of little mountains and isles!

3.  How have the customs, traditions, geography, nature etc. inspired the items you create?

Well, obviously, some of my work is embeded with my origin. For example I have some products that depict natural fauna from Chile, and also a great number of ocean animals (Chile is long but thin, so every city is rather on the coast or a few hours away from it!). I also love farm animals, so I did a few of them too. In Santiago you do not see farm animals, but in the countryside and on little towns is very common to see hens and their chickens on a lot of houses.

4. What are you doing this fall to drive your business in your community? Are you doing a festival or show? How do you reach out to your community?

This Fall (Spring for us really!) I am trying to get closer to the community. The first days of August I am going to participate in some artisans fairs where I will show my prodcuts. Also, on August 10th we celebrate Children´s day, so I hope it will be a good month for me and my toys!

Chilean Birds Set From JuguetesEloisa

Handmade Wooden Whale From JuguetesEloisa

Hen, Rooster And Chicken Farm Set From JuguetesEloisa

5. What are your social media sites?

The social media sites I use are facebook ,twitter, pinterest and here etsy! The first two are focused on local customers (in Chile) and the last two are focused on international customers.
I leave you the links of them:
www.facebook.com/jugueteseloisa
twitter.com/JuguetesEloisa
www.pinterest.com/jugueteseloisa/
www.etsy.com/shop/JuguetesEloisa