Maria Cuji is the only child of an Ecuadorian family. Her mother is a retired artisan and professional tailor with a long history in working with textiles. Maria followed in the footsteps of her mother by working alongside her and exploring fashion with the traditional techniques that are unique to Ecuadorian culture

Later on she went down the academic route to study in Central Saint Martins where she developed her skills in textiles and had a passion for combining her heritage with London's contemporary culture

Now with her atelier she draws from her artisan background and uses her skills to help and empower other artisan’s in particular the youth that can relate to her story and help give better opportunities to these communities