As members of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), we at Maya Traditions are working to guarantee that our practices follow the 10 Principles of Fair Trade outlined by the WFTO. The 9th Fair Trade Principle states: Organizations which produce Fair Trade products maximize the use of raw materials from sustainably managed sources in their ranges, buying locally when possible. No one can deny that environmental consciousness is a necessity to satisfy consumers in today’s modern market. At Maya Traditions we recognize the importance of protecting the natural environment of Guatemala in the following ways: Backstrap weaving is inherently environmentally friendly
Read More
Flynn, founder of our partner organization MALENA, visited Maya Traditions this week at our headquarters in Panajachel, Guatemala. “It has been amazing to spend time with the artisans in the cooperatives, to see their wonderful work, and to learn more about their lives and stories. Their artisan products are the most beautiful I have seen in Guatemala.” While traveling to our cooperative in San Juan La Laguna, taking a tour through our medicinal plant garden, and experiencing various Maya traditions in and around Panajachel, Flynn has received an in-depth experience and understanding of the hard work and life of indigenous women and their
Read More
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
Read More
It’s hard to believe that just two months ago we were celebrating reaching our Indiegogo campaign goal! But even before the campaign closed, we started the work necessary to grow Maya Traditions. Thanks to your support and this hard work, we have already reached a number of exciting milestones that we are thrilled to share with you. Through your support, we have: Hired a full time designer, Averie Floyd, to better support our design partners and to develop a new line of Maya Traditions’ products. If you haven’t had the chance to meet or work with Averie yet, learn more
Read More
Maya Traditions was born from strong partnerships with cooperatives of indigenous female artisans. Today, these relationships remain central to our work and mission. This month, we asked our staff to share stories that have impacted them personally and inspire them on a daily basis. Here, we share a few of their responses: Spotlight: Marta I have been working with Maya Traditions only since March of this year, but when we were asked to write about an experience with an artisan that inspired us, I knew I already had many stories to choose from. I have had the priviledge of interacting and
Read More
“We believe every person—despite the social, economic or geographic situation they were born into—deserves the freedom to discover, to dream andto thrive.” Maya Traditions Foundation is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with social entrepreneur Sarah Contrucci Smith and her new business Ara Collective. Ara Collective is a socially responsible company that works alongside artisans to develop unique, handcrafted products that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern style. In preparation for the launch of her business, Sarah visited Guatemala and traveled to our communities to meet our artisans and observe their work. Growing up in Indonesia, Sarah was provided with the opportunity to learn
Read More
Over the years, Murray Mintz has seen Maya Traditions grow and transform. Now the President of the Foundation, Murray often thinks about the years when his late wife and our founder Jane Mintz first began visiting Guatemala and working with indigenous female artisans. What began as a personal initiative has grown into a social enterprise, partnering with over seven cooperatives of indigenous female artisans. Many of these artisans are the same women that Jane met many years ago, that recognize Murray from those early years, and who often tell us stories of Jane’s kindness and loving nature. Here, Murray reflects
Read More
On a recent trip to the community of Nahuala, we sat down with Francisca to hear her story. She is an inspirational woman who creates the most beautiful textiles. Here is a little bit about her! What is your name? Francisca Tzep Cotiy How old are you? 38 years old. Tell us about your family. I have a husband who works in construction and two sons who are 13 and 18 years old Where do you live? In the small village of Palanquix Guachiaquib´, which is a part of the community of Nahuala. When and how did you learn to weave?
Read More
If you’ve had the opportunity to visit Guatemala and meet Maya Traditions’ artisans, staff, and volunteers in person, you know that you have found a remarkable place. This month, we asked our incredible staff what makes our work at Maya Traditions special. Here is what they had to say: ‘Maya Traditions has strong, long-lasting relationships with artisans and works to support them as whole women not just artisans.’ ‘We convert the needs of our artisans into opportunities, offering them the training and tools necessary so that they themselves can change thier own situations. For me, that’s true empowerment.’ ‘We are a foundation
Read More
Two years ago today, the Rana Plaza collapsed, leading to the worst industrial disaster in Bangladesh’s history. 1,133 workers lost their lives and over 2,500 others were wounded. This event exposed the harsh realities of the garment industry that many of us have heard about, but chose to ignore. It also spurred an international movement and conversation about who is making our clothes and the conditions they face at work every day. We at Maya Traditions are excited to be a part of this movement by celebrating and preserving the art of backstrap weaving and by providing an alternative, ethical
Read More
