I run a group on FB that allows for small shops to promote their inventory and sell in the group. I’d like to share with you the stories behind the shops and pictures of their artisans. I am looking for shops that I can completely stand behind and promote. From their customer service etiquette, to the way they promote themselves, show their character as a business owner. I hope to share as many shops as I have the pleasure of interviewing. Today I’m starting off with Maria’s Artisan Shop.
I came across Maria’s shop in October of 2017. I was interested in a Zunil wristlet she had for sale. She had the most attentive customer service and I was hooked. Good customer service goes a very long way in my book. I began looking into her other items and found that she sold artisan made earrings from Colombia. And I was hooked. I inquired about several pairs and purchased several pairs of earrings. I was so in love with the handiwork. These earrings were made in Medellin Colombia, and because I had just finished watching the latest season of Narco, I felt connected somehow lol. But really seriously I loved the fact that I could contribute bringing income to someone so far away. So I asked Maria recently to give me a little information about herself and her drive to continue in the artisan made business. Here is what she had to share with me.
” It all honestly became a gradual thing for me. It went from having a hobby to opening my own shop. I focused on making sure I gave value to the work put in, learning about the depth of the culture it comes from. Viewing articles and meeting more sources exposed me to more truths. It’s kind of become a gradual thing like with you. We both kinda grew into this together lol. I’ve also always been a fair person. With everyone in any situation as best as I could when I saw needed. Recognizing someone’s hard work into their craft is very important to me. I grew up from a hard-working family. My mother worked nights in Canary to care for my family and my dad worked all day. He just retired at age 76. My appreciation for their hard work didn’t come till later in life. And I wish I appreciated them since I was younger. But maybe it was the seed planted for me to appreciate everyone’s hard work. And now, as I’ve come across fair trade and ethical business, I’ve learned to value the real meaning behind those words and how loaded these claims are. Their heart and soul goes into these works. Their family history. And a tradition that with time and later in the newer generations they tend to dwindle. I want to make sure the huipil I buy has my permission to be used for these bags and accessories, because they are special and some are spiritual. I want them to know I am thankful. I want them to know I am not taking advantage of their art or just putting on a show. Yes it is a business that I want to thrive but I want those that are creating to thrive as well…..gosh I’m so all over the place here Amiga. I just know I’m growing here. I’m still learning. And most importantly I want to do it all the right way. I’ve learned so much in the last 7 months of my business start. And I look forward to the day I get to travel to Guatemala. And I’m thankful that I haven’t gone yet. Because the eyes I will go in with now will know and recognize and understand more than 7 months ago….and I can only imagine how much more powerful my mission will be after my visit.
I want to give the artisans their voice and recognition. To acknowledge what they do and the art they create. We forget how much a simple thank you and acknowledging ones work can also enlighten ones soul and brighten our day. As for fair trade, there’s so much being taken advantage of. One would gloat for haggling down to a good deal. But what they did is devalued the time and dedication this craftsman or craftswoman put into their work. It sends a message, this work is not worth the money. And they take away from the provision of food to their table. We as humans don’t want to be devalued, so why should we do that to one another? I don’t want to be part of that, I want to be part of what is truly ethical.
The latest item I added to my shop was from a Yabal cooperative that weaved the Quiewi fabric. Queiwi works with local artisans to make amazing products. With each purchase the customer helps give back to Casa Guatemala’s education fund. It really is part of the slow and feel good fashion. “
That’s what I want to know I am a part of as a consumer. It’s not about making a “clique” on FB. I want to bring awareness to the shops that care more about putting food on someone elses table. You have to be in it because you love it. If you do it only for the money, you make crucial mistakes and burn out. Because the money will never be enough. You have to believe in what you do. Thank you Maria and thank you the reader for engaging in María’s Artisan Shop Blog.
Huipil Life Tribe 