Interview with Suyapa Soreyda Begley, December 3, 2009

Interview Summary

She introduces herself and describes her childhood in La Mosquitia, Honduras. She talks about her Honduran family, the isolated and rural town where she grew up, and how she met her American husband. She describes the Gar?funa culture, the food, the lifestyle and traditions and how it differentiates from the Hispanic or American culture. She describes her first months in the United States (Lexington, Kentucky), the culture shock she felt and how she started to get used to her new life. She talks about learning English and the free classes that she took with other foreigners in Lafayette High School (Lexington, Kentucky). She comments on the usage of Spanish at home, especially with her three small children. She describes how the Hispanic community in Lexington has grown over the years, especially the growth of the Honduran population. She talks about the various opportunities she has to use Spanish in and out of the house. She comments on her participation in various volunteer organizations in Lexington, specifically with Lexington Fashion Collaborative, Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Justice, Circle of Hope, and Lexington Art League. She talks about her career as a fashion designer and the manner in which Hispanic culture has influenced her designs. She describes her professional relationship with the Hispanic community and her Latina clientele in Lexington, in addition to current projects she is working on. She talks about her difficult experiences that she has had in the United States, especially with stereotypes. She comments on the future of the Hispanic community already established in Lexington and the way in which it will continue to grow.

Interview Keyword

Travel. Viajar. Art. Art. Fashion. Moda. Volunteers Los voluntarios Design. Dise

Interview LC Subject

Honduras. Language and languages. Immigrants--Kentucky Lexington (Ky.)--Social conditions Culture Emigration and immigration

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.