We have worked with Novica since   2000 and it's been marvelous. Over those years, we have seen an increase in   our sales and in our skills. One of the greatest ways you've supported us is   through suggestions to create new designs.<br><br>At the   beginning of this project, we only had a few designs, which was reflected in   our low sales. With your guidance, we were able to create useful articles   such as board games, decorative accents, ornaments, and daily-use   items.<br><br>This inspired creativity in each member of the   team. We ran into great challenges, such as the sale of the mines where we   get our materials. This gave us the opportunity to find more sources and   continue to promote the economy of our land.<br><br>As a family   that works together, we've had situations that have challenged us, such as   the loss of my father this past year. It was tough, but we became stronger   and made ourselves value life and its enjoyments even more. In this way, we   increased our production and we started to create more continuity in our   designs.<br><br>Working with you has been a blessing and, as a   family, we are very happy with you. You've shown us a new way of marketing   that lets us grow in each aspect of our work, thus adding to our vision as   artisans.<br><br>Our goal is to learn and expand, sharing the   beauty of the natural stones of our country while maintaining quality in each   one of our designs and sharing a part of ourselves as a   family.<br><br><b>Original Artisan   Story</b><br><br>Odette Sierra is from the beautiful   Mexican state of Puebla. Her father Edgar Sierra first opened their workshop   30 years ago. Their town is renowned throughout Mexico for its carvings in   onyx and marble. Submerged in this artistic heritage, the Sierras began   crafting parquet tables in onyx and marble. During the history of their   workshop they have come to perfect the fabrication of innumerable items,   including chess sets, game sets, vases, sculptures, bath accessories and   jewelry boxes.<br><br>The principal materials of the Sierra   Family, onyx and marble, are mined in the Mexican states of Puebla and   Oaxaca. A diamond disk is used to sculpt the stone, accompanied by large   quantities of water. Once the desired shape is achieved, the artisans finish   the surface with abrasive emery and a polisher.<br><br>The art of   sculpting marble and onyx demands patience and virtue, both of which have   been cultivated over time in the Sierra Family workshop.