From Honduras, Decoart by Gaby: The Art of Storytelling Through Handmade Dolls
Back in 2025, Decoart by Gaby, the artisanal brand founded by Honduran artisan Gabriela Flores, celebrated 10 years of bringing joy, identity, and tradition through handmade fabric dolls. From her early designs to the consolidation of her renowned Lencadoll collection, Gaby has transformed the way many people connect with their memories and cultural roots.
Gabriela, back in June 2025, you celebrated 10 years since you started with Decoart. How do you remember those early days when you began creating your first pieces?
Yes, last year we celebrated our first 10 years as “Dollmaker.” But this didn't start yesterday or 10 years ago: we've been on this path for more than 20 years. The first 10 years were all about experimentation and learning: lots of preparation, lots of materials, techniques, proposals, creativity, and ingenuity, with all the desire in the world to make my creative work count.
From the beginning, I wanted the world to know that what is made in Honduras is very well made. I discovered that, through the dolls, I could connect with people. I noticed how people cherished them and were saddened when handmade dolls disappeared from the local market.
Something I will never forget is that, after my first doll, all the following ones went abroad. The community abroad loves them, and that is how our Lencadoll** was born.
** The Lencas are the Indigenous descendants of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, residing primarily in the highlands of western Honduras and eastern El Salvador. [Source]
What motivated you to start creating custom dolls, and how did you come up with the name Decoart?
I still have the original design of my first doll, and that's very important to me. When I decided to stop doing everything else and dedicate myself exclusively to dolls, the hardest thing was saying “no” countless times to requests asking me to reproduce other dollmakers' designs. I was always firm because I believe that respect for the creative work of other artists is non-negotiable.
The dolls struck a chord with my community. People appreciated my work, recognized my skills, and asked me for custom dolls: “I want one that looks like my daughter, my niece, or my granddaughter.” The biggest challenge was staying true to my style, because it takes many years to develop an artist’s unique style.
I came up with the idea of offering several skin tones that reflected the national reality, and it was a huge hit. I myself grew up playing only with white, blonde, blue-eyed dolls. A doll that looks like you and is made especially for you is something you fall in love with, and not just children, adults too.
The name “Decoart by Gaby” was born under pressure. I needed to formalize and open as a brand, so in 2009 I launched a survey on Facebook. Most people said, “Your decorations are art,” and that's where the name came from. I thought it was nice because it came from my own customers, many of whom are still fans of my brand, continue to buy, and, above all, continue to recommend me.
For those who aren't familiar with your work, how would you describe what you do, and what makes your handmade dolls unique?
I’m Gaby from Decoart, the creative force behind the Honduran brand that makes the cutest handmade fabric dolls in Honduras. Our work is meticulous, responsible, and sustainable. We use traditional, artisanal techniques, and we firmly believe that we offer an alternative to the mass production of plastic toys.
With each doll, we aim to touch the heart of everyone who connects with our brand and with the people they love the most. We want to bring joy, nostalgia, and memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
We aspire to be among the brands that promote a more empathetic and inclusive world. We foster self-esteem, identity, and recognition, and we are committed to fair, high-quality, and respectful trade.
We create each collection with all our love, from Honduras to the world.
Over the years, has there been any particular story or commission that has left a lasting impression on you as an artist?
I always remember my first doll with affection and enthusiasm, and the huge impact it had, because it brought back memories that had been tucked away in the shared collective memory of everyone who saw it.
The Lencadoll collection is the one that connects me most deeply with the Lenca community. Through it, I demonstrate that creativity can be linked to tradition and sustainability, creating local ecosystems that promote the circular economy and preserve artisanal techniques, all in a single doll.
I went from doing crafts to creating dolls, and now I have a deep interest in art and culture. I’m much more aware and respectful of the work that goes into handmade pieces. Being a creative business owner has opened up a world of possibilities for me, and today I have many dreams and projects that remain connected to my purpose.
Your dolls have traveled beyond Honduras and reached customers in other countries. What does it mean to you to see your art cross borders?
One of my goals is to show that in Honduras we create and produce incredible things. I always say that what’s made in Honduras is well made, and the recognition we’ve received locally has led us to cross borders.
When a doll leaves the country, we’re not just “Decoartbygaby”; we’re Honduras embodied in a doll, and that fills me with pride, but above all, with gratitude. People send me photos from every corner of the world; the moment they take to snap that photo is a wonderful gift that inspires me to keep giving my best every day.
To wrap things up, how about a quick Q&A so our readers can get to know you even better:
Favorite visual artist: There are many, but I want to highlight 2- they’re fabulous female artists who have illustrated my dolls: Johana Oliva- @jenchibi and Amy Smyt- @ms.purple_art
A skill you’d like to learn: Traveling light
Favorite Honduran food: Burritas (Honduran burritas are a traditional breakfast or on-the-go meal, made of stacked corn tortillas layered with refried beans, eggs, fried ripe plantain slices and cheese)
Describe your art in 3 words: Creativity, tradition, and identity
A phrase that inspires you: "Love, Flow, and Create"
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