Our Work - Artisan Collaboration
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In our eyes, giving back can be achieved by taking actions that go beyonf monetary contributions/donations. That is the reason why we currently collaborate with Aid to Artisans Mexico, a non-profit organization focused on empowerment and economic growth for artisan groups, in The Yucatan and Chiapas, Mexico. Their work is centered in providing a variety of human development, design & production, and financial inclusion workshops.
Operating in regions of high male dominance, these workshops introduce topics such as women’s rights, health, gender roles, micro financing (savings groups) and business development (product design, costing and business planning).
Through these workshops, women emabark on a personal path to empowerment. We are constantly inspired by these personal journeys and the impact it has on their communities
Knowing we contribute in some way to to this, makes our work more much more meaningful.
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One of the big issues artisans face is incorrect calculation of time invested in the creation of their pieces. Through the workshops the women receive, they learn key costing strategies leading them to accurately calculate the amount of time it takes them to create each item. We stand behinf fair trade and know that this basic trade issue, makes a big change.
Another important part our collaboartion, is the fact that every group of artisans operates as its own business. So, additionaly to the pay per/hour of work, we pay a business margin that contributes to a fund for communal business expenses.
We believe that this type of partnership brings lasting economical growth and empowerment to the artisan communities.
The Techniques
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Our products are handmade utilizing different techniques. No two pieces are identical as they are made by multiple hands. Each maker has its own style, creating small tweaks and twists that are not just celebrated but part of what makes our product a little more special.
We use a variety of techniques - Scroll down to learn more about each one.