It's uncommon for young people today to choose the path of a seamstress, but Maialen Ballina discovered her passion through a course in Aramaio. "I haven't stopped since then," she states. Family tradition also plays a role, as there have always been tailors on her father's side, and much of her childhood clothing was made by her aunt.
Although sewing and rallies are very different worlds, Ballina finds a strong sense of community in both. "In rallies, for example, there's always someone ready to help, we support each other. It's similar in sewing; we gather in small groups, and even though each person has their own project, we look after and support one another," she explains.
While the driver takes the main spotlight in rallies, the co-driver's role is also significant. "There's always pressure, especially on unfamiliar routes, but trust is key," says Ballina, describing herself as "a calm person who avoids conflict".
Beyond operating a sewing machine, she considers herself "all-terrain": "If a tractor needs driving, I'm ready; if the grass needs mowing or the horses need moving, I can do that too." She is sociable and "very fond of parties".
She is not someone who stays still. "I'm always making plans or thinking about something. If I get bored, I quickly realize I'm not comfortable in that situation and look for something to do. I always have something to sew, a task at home, or a plan that comes up," she says.
Looking ten years ahead, she would like to continue living in Aramaio, maintaining her surroundings: "family, friends, and the lifestyle I have now. I live very happily and want to continue with that joy".
If she had to hand over a car's steering wheel blindfolded, she would only give it to her father, "he introduced me to the world of motors; I learned to drive with him." She humorously mentions an elderly person from the town, "sometimes they are a great risk".
