Mayan Craft:

At Mayan Craft, our mission is simple yet profound: to bridge the gap between Mayan artisans and a global audience, fostering meaningful connections through fair trade and authentic craftsmanship. We are more than just a platform; we are a social enterprise that supports the livelihoods of indigenous artisans while providing unique, handcrafted products to individuals and businesses around the world.

Our Story

Mayan Craft was born out of a deep respect for the rich cultural heritage of Guatemala and the incredible talent of the local artisans. Our founder, with a passion for supporting vulnerable communities, noticed a gap in the market for authentic, ethically sourced products from Mayan artisans. The beauty of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of preserving these skills inspired the creation of Mayan Craft, with the ultimate goal of empowering these artisans and ensuring their work is appreciated worldwide.

We are based in Panajachel, a small town on the shores of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by lush mountains and rich cultural history. This setting is home to many indigenous communities where traditional techniques have been passed down through generations. By working directly with artisans, Mayan Craft ensures that every product sold not only meets the highest standards of quality but also honors the cultural legacy of its creators.

Our Mission

Our mission goes beyond selling handcrafted products; it’s about making a difference. We believe in **fair trade**, transparency, and ethical practices. Every purchase made through Mayan Craft directly impacts the artisans and their families, contributing to their financial independence and the sustainability of their communities.

 

We aim to:

What We Do

At Mayan Craft, we partner with cooperatives of women and families from various indigenous communities across Guatemala, especially from the highlands and around Lake Atitlán. These artisans specialize in traditional weaving, sewing, and leatherwork, using techniques like backstrap loom and foot pedal loom weaving. Their intricate designs are the product of generations of knowledge, skill, and dedication.

We provide a range of handcrafted products, from woven crossbody bags and tote bags to clutches and other fashion accessories, each one made with the utmost care and attention to detail. Every item is a reflection of the artisans’ heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship. In return, we offer them the support they need to thrive in a competitive market, ensuring they receive a fair wage for their work and are able to continue creating these beautiful pieces.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Mayan Craft, quality is our cornerstone. Every product is thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets our high standards before it’s made available to our customers. From the moment raw materials are selected to the final stitch, our artisans take pride in every step of the process. Our Quality Control Policy ensures that all items are carefully crafted and packaged to arrive in perfect condition.

We understand that purchasing handmade products comes with certain expectations, and we are committed to exceeding those. If you’d like to learn more about how we ensure quality, you can read about our detailed process [here]

Ethical Practices & Fair Trade

We are proud to adhere to fair trade principles, ensuring that our artisans receive fair compensation for their work. The pricing of our products reflects the true value of the craftsmanship involved, not mass production or exploitation. Unlike conventional retailers, we don’t cut costs at the expense of the artisan. Instead, we maintain a small operating margin—typically between 3% and 5% —just enough to keep our organization running while ensuring that the bulk of the revenue goes directly to the artisans.

We believe in transparency, which is why we are open about our business model. Our role is to act as a facilitator—connecting the artisans to the global market. We don’t profit off their hard work; rather, we support them by providing a platform that showcases their talent and brings their products to an appreciative audience.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. The materials used in our products are responsibly sourced, often from upcycled or natural resources. By choosing sustainable practices, we minimize our environmental impact while offering products that align with the values of conscious consumers.

Our products, from the smallest keychain to the largest tote bag, are made to last. The artisanal methods used to create them are sustainable by nature, as they rely on manual processes that have minimal environmental impact. By supporting slow fashion, we challenge the norms of mass production and encourage consumers to invest in timeless pieces that carry meaning and purpose.

Why Choose Mayan Craft?

1. Unique Handcrafted Products: Every item we sell is a one-of-a-kind creation made by skilled artisans, each with a story to tell. When you purchase from Mayan Craft, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting a way of life.

2. Fair Trade Certified: We are committed to paying artisans fairly, ensuring they receive a living wage for their work. Your purchase helps provide income and opportunities to communities that would otherwise have limited means of support.

3. Sustainability Focused: By choosing Mayan Craft, you are contributing to a more sustainable world. We prioritize eco-friendly materials and methods that protect the environment while preserving traditional practices.

4. Cultural Preservation: Your purchase helps preserve the traditional techniques and designs that are central to the Mayan cultural identity. Each piece tells a story, connecting you to the rich heritage of Guatemala.

5. Ethical Fashion: We promote conscious consumerism by offering products that are not only beautiful but also ethically sourced and made. You can wear our pieces with pride, knowing you are making a positive impact on both people and the planet.

Empowering Women, Changing Lives

One of the core values at Mayan Craft is the empowerment of women. Many of the artisans we work with are women from rural areas who face significant economic and social challenges. By providing them with fair compensation and access to global markets, we help them achieve financial independence and gain confidence in their abilities. This, in turn, has a ripple effect on their families and communities, contributing to the overall well-being of these regions.

Every product sold through Mayan Craft helps to uplift these women, allowing them to support their families and invest in their children’s education. Through fair trade, we help break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for future generations.

Join Us in Making a Difference

When you choose Mayan Craft, you are choosing more than just a product. You are supporting a movement—one that values craftsmanship, culture, and community. Every purchase you make directly impacts the lives of artisans, providing them with the means to support their families, preserve their cultural heritage, and create a better future.

We invite you to join us on this journey, whether by purchasing our handcrafted goods, sharing our mission with others, or becoming a wholesale partner. Together, we can create a world where artistry is appreciated, ethical practices are the norm, and communities thrive.

If you’d like to become a part of this story, sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay updated on new products, artisan stories, and exclusive offers.

Contact Us

Have any questions or want to learn more about our work? Feel free to reach out to us through our contact page

We’d love to hear from you!