At Sequence, Ariela Suster disrupts cycle of violence by empowering at-risk youth

Sequence founder and creative director Ariela Suster employs at-risk youth who create handcrafted products as a positive alternative to the cycle of violence in their native El Salvador. She mentors and leads a team turning traditional artisanal techniques into bracelets, necklaces, headpieces, scarves and hats that reflects El Salvador’s passion, energy and people.

Her latest collection includes a bracelet designed on a Microsoft Surface and made in El Salvador. It contains an NFC chip that, when tapped against the back of your smartphone (Windows phone, Android, Blackberry), will play a short video showing how the bracelet was made. These designs with the NFC tag will be sold in the Microsoft store in New York.

​Sequence embodies the artistic expression of both cultures. The collection’s muted tones express the dark reality of violence in El Salvador, while bright colors represent the hope and opportunity that this project continues to bring to local communities. The signature knot and braided designs have become a symbol of the Sequence Collection. Beyond a style statement, they express the heart and soul of the artists.