the Erwin Portillo

June 2021

He grew up in a world where their greatest struggle was one that is often battled in Guatemala. His family often commuted trying to make it day by day and spent some time living in the beautiful paths within the jungle. When they moved into town, his father asked him what he wanted to learn to be self-sufficient in life. He was given various options that were available in his tiny town from auto mechanic, to watchmaker, hairstylist, and tailor. He opted for tailor even though up to that moment he had never used a needle, a tape measure, or even understood the different complexions of the human body. His father walked him to one of the best-known little tailor shops in his town and left him there to learn the tricks of the trade, and up to that moment it had been a different world in his life. 

“By the age of ten, it was neither interesting or fun, but each day after school I learned the route to the shop. And with frequency, I would fall asleep in the chair while observing the tailors cutting or sewing pants… only to be awakened with the pinch of a needle.”

And this was beginning for Erwin! Erwin became a young man and went on to school to study accounting. He later met Aracely who captured his heart and would become his beautiful eternal companion. The two embarked on a journey to the United States to start a new life. Life in the United States was not easy for the newlywed couple. Far from home and not knowing or speaking the English language was very difficult for them. Every day was a challenge, but they had each other and God as their center of their lives. They went on to have three beautiful children, Ivania, Aracely, and Erwin, Jr. Erwin loved his family with all his heart and worked very hard to provide for them. Fatherhood was a joyous moment for him as he taught values to his children. It was important to teach his children about kindness, possibilities, and how they can make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.

“My father is my biggest example along with my mother. There was not a single day I did not feel their love. My father taught me so many wonderful things about this world, about loving and being of service to others. He is a man with so much love to give and helps anyone who comes across him without hesitation. His talents are mind blowing to me and I just want to share it with the entire world. I love my father with all my heart. He is my hero!” – Ivania Hernandez, Daughter

In 2015, Erwin’s beautiful wife passed away. It was a devastating year for the entire family, but her legacy remains within the family every day. Erwin, along with his children, decided to put his talents to good use. He started both Ámide Kids and Erwin Portillo as sister companies designing children’s apparel and handbags. The skill he learned as a small child has blossomed into a love for designing
in the fashion realm and teaming it up to help the lives of others. He is committed to help his community behind his brands. He thoughtfully handcrafts each product with his customers in mind with a portion of our proceeds going directly to support our Artisans in his native land, Guatemala.

Erwin resides in Houston, TX enjoying life as a grandfather to four little ones. They are his treasures and keep him young! He continues his teachings of value to his grandchildren with hopes they can one day build their own legacy for future
generations to come.