We are delighted to share with you our collaboration with Hana and her Fair Trade company GONGGI, our new partner from South Korea and the first from Asia! Hana visited Maya Traditions this week in Guatemala in order to get an in-depth understanding of our partnering communities, the weaving techniques, the impact of Maya Traditions, as well as life and culture in Guatemala. “I have enjoyed my stay in Panajachel very much. The work Maya Traditions’ women weavers make is very impressive. Through visiting two communities, I now have a good understanding of the impact the sales back in Korea will provide them.”

After volunteering for one and a half years in Nepal and with her steady passion of traveling, Hana developed the mission of GONGGI to support and promote natural, handcrafted, and Fair Trade interior accessories from developing countries all over the world. So far, she is partnering with cooperatives in Indonesia, Nepal, and Bangladesh. “Maya Traditions in Guatemala is our first partner in Latin America. I am glad that I found Maya Traditions through the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). This partnership will be an important contribution to our portfolio in Korea. The designs the different communities provide are very unique. My clients will appreciate their ability to contribute and preserve these techniques while supporting the Maya communities with the different initiatives Maya Traditions realizes.”

While staying in Panajachel, Hana lived in the house of Doña Virginia and her lovely family. Despite some small language challenges, Hana enjoyed experiencing the traditional Guatemalan way of life through joining Doña Virginia while market shopping, during family dinners, and cooking sessions.

“I will come back soon in order to learn and understand more of what Maya Traditions does. This first visit showed me how widespread the organization works and my five-day stay was just a bit too short.”

Learn more about Hana and her business GONGGI by visiting their website.