Flechada Give a Hand

Flechada's philanthropic program for giving back to Latin American communities

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Mayan Hands takes you to a real Tour in Guatemala

Discover the beauty of Guatemala! Mayan Hands partners with these talented artists, in their journey out of extreme poverty and toward empowerment and self-sufficiency, by offering these beautiful creations to you. Won't you accompany them on this journey too? Join us on one or both of our next Mayan Hands adventures (November 7 -17, 2012 - travel West to the Highlands, or February 20 - March 2, 2013 - travel North to the Verapaces

What's more exciting that travel the world while doing  something relevant? This could be the most rewarding experience of your life, trust me!

Learn more at Mayan Hands website

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Patti Carpenter, a former New York Fashion Executive

By selling their handwoven textiles, Patti Carpenter gives hope to the craftspeople who create them. Artisans from the Alto Plano regions of Bolivia and from various regions of Guatemala, use centuries-old indigenous techniques, including pedal loom weaving and detailed hand crochet and hand embroidery to create these handmade embellished home textiles. 

Here, traditional craft and hand work is combined with natural materials and fresh design concepts to create a unique collection of beautiful objects with heart. Fair wages set by the artisans themselves generate a sustainable income source that supports families in staying together on their land and in community development projects such as updating water systems, improving housing and education and fighting against poverty.

Patti Carpenter featured at Oprah Magazine

See more of Carpenter + Company at Flechada.com

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ZOKEN Joyeros de Colombia

Zoken tiene su origen a finales de los años 90 cuando John Fredy Escobar, diseñador y actual socio fundador  comienza su innovadora idea desarrollando piezas de joyería diferentes a las clásicas debido a los cambios del mercado y a las nuevas tendencias de la moda que lo llevaron  a la aplicación de nuevos materiales como la madera. Su propuesta un tanto irreverente para la joyería tradicional fue el origen de nuevos y grandes horizontes en el mercado.

Bajo la asesoría de Artesanías de Colombia y hacia el año 2006 su fundador perfecciona la técnica de ensamblado y finalizado de las piezas y ese mismo ano una importante institución educativa del país le brinda la oportunidad de participar y exhibir sus colecciones en importantes eventos y ferias.

   Debido a su Talento, en el año 2008 la Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá ofrece apoyo a John Fredy en la capacitación comercial y lo apoya con su participación en Ciudad de Panamá en la Feria Expocomer, punto de encuentro multisectorial en donde se dan cita algunas de las firmas más visibles del gremio en México, Argentina y Brasil.   Con el propósito de aprender y evolucionar el fundador participa en el año 2009 por primera vez en Colombia Moda, una vitrina hecha para mostrarse y demostrarse. Este punto de encuentro le permitió hacer un diagnóstico sensato de las fortalezas y debilidades de sus productos.

El año 2010 y 2011 traen consigo el desarrollo de las línea Wayu e hilos, inspiradas en las raíces tanto indígenas como campesinas de nuestro país, ambas ricas de comienzo a fin en diseño, calidad e innovación.   Igualmente en el año 2011 y tras 20 años de experiencia en el oficio de la joyería, John fredy escobar diseñador y joyero se une a Patricia Ochoa R., administradora de empresas, Marcela Giraldo ingeniera industrial y Juan Felipe Ochoa R., Ingeniero aeronáutico para conformar una equipo interdisciplinario que hace de un arte y oficio una empresa.  

Zoken cuenta con un alto compromiso ecológico y social y genera empleo a diferentes artesanos y etnias. Además utiliza en algunas de sus líneas maderas como el Puy, la Macana y el Ebano, que cuentan con permiso de explotación artesanal.  La empresa cuenta con su propio taller ubicado en la ciudad de Bogotá en el centro histórico de la Candelaria.

Shop Zoken 

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Inca Boots artisans from Peru

All of our products are designed and crafted in collaboration with true Peruvian artists. The creative process is something that we all really enjoy, so we want to shine a light on a couple of people who make Inca Boot Company possible.

Here is a photo of our master boot maker Marcello readying his sewing machine to inset one of our traditional Inca textiles into the suede we use in our boots.

Here is the lovely Joucelyn, with whom we design our line of purses. She works with other Peruvian women to create these products, and these women depend on this work in order to sustain themselves.

Peru is a land full of beautiful textiles and colorful designs, and we hope to continue the rewarding process of artistic collaboration with these artisans for many years to come.

Support these artisans, shop Inca boots

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Its all about helping others & Colección Luna

News on Colección Luna:

On a recent return flight from Guatemala Stephanie, Colección Luna designer and founder, had the rare and unique opportunity to sit next to one of her heroes: Nobel Peace Prize Winner 1992 Rigoberta Menchu!  

 Inspired by Rigoberta Menchu determination...we can see it in her eyes, look at the pictures below.

Colección Luna bags were once again be the "Swag Bags" at CARE's International Women's Day celebration in DC March 2011 going to VIP's in attendance...including Melinda Gates, Laura Bush, Judy Woodruff, Christy Turlington, and many more CARE supporters!  She attended a reception at the Indian Ambassador's private residence, an intimate dinner at The Ecuadorian Ambassador's private residence, and spent a day on Capitol Hill advocating for women's & girl's rights.

Colección Luna handmade Handbags

  Shop Colección Luna

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Paez Shoes- Fair Trade from Argentina

Their mission: At PAEZ we recognize the vital connection between creating superior products and supporting our employees. Each employee receives ongoing economic and intellectual training under PAEZ's continuing-education programs, and all PAEZ personnel are registered in compliance with Argentine labor laws.

But our concern for our employees goes beyond increasing profits. Our concern is personal. Nothing means more to PAEZ than our workers and their families. Period. As we work to develop our brand and expand to new markets, we never forget our core values: offering a truly great product to our customers and helping all of our PAEZ team members realize their personal dreams and goals.

  Shop Paez 

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How do I know they are for real? Emeralds from Colombia

Facts:

1. The Fundamental collection revolves around the beauty of Colombian emeralds, some in their natural state and some polished. All of the pieces in this collection are one of a kind because each one is designed with a specific stone in mind. Some can be replicated with slight differences but since no two stones are identical, no two pieces of jewelry will be the same. Each piece is an expression of uniqueness, quality and style. All of our pieces are handmade in our workshops.

2.Emeralds, unlike diamonds, have not been classified due to the wide varieties of colors and hues that exist. Please be aware of the differences that exist in the color and shape of unpolished stones. All of our earrings are carefully paired but obvious differences do exist since the stones remain in their natural state. Please note that by purchasing this piece, you agree these differences are a natural part of the product.

3.Certificates of Authenticity have been issued to provide guarantee of such an amazing jewels. The GIA Diamond Grading Report, Diamond Dossier  and Gemological Identification Reports offer unmatched assurance of a gem’s quality and authenticity. See below the certificates issued by Gemologist Adriana Bromet. 

Shop Malili Otoya

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Shupaca 100% Alpaca Accessories made in Peru & Ecuador

Why Alpaca?

Shop Shupaca

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Emerald Mines in Colombia...OMG -what a hard job! Give a token of appreciation, shop now Malili Otoya

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La Isla 360 proud supporters of some non for profit organizations

Since we started our company, we have always cared about doing business in a conscious and unselfish manner. We have dedicated time, energy and funds to the support of some wonderful organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation (www.surfrider.org), Children of the Americas (www.americaschildren.org) and Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society (www.oceanfutures.org). 

Shop La Isla

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Aid for Aids windows supported by Blues by Kyky

Caracas, Venezuela 

BLUES by kyky proudly supports Aid for Aids

As part of its non-profit organization support program, on December 2011, Blues by kyky supported Aid for Aids, by creating awareness of its cause through the window displays of the stores.

All Venezuelan store window displays, San Ignacio, Tolón and Paseo El Hatillo, will be featuring Aid for Aids T-shirts designed by Marc Jacobs . Also, all Blues by kyky staff will be wearing the T-shirt.

Shop Blues by kyky at Flechada

Shop Blues by kyky at Flechada

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Homenaje a la artesania Latino Americana by Dalia Pascal

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InStyle Independent Handbag Designer Award…

Most Socially Responsible Handbag : Dalia Pascal

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Shop indigenous products:

Awaje, Bohemian Love, Dalia Pascal, Jacaranda, Mishky, Sea Salt, Shuvi Luna, Wayuu Taya and Wakami

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Neuaura Shoes - Stylish & Responsible

NEUAURA will donate a portion of their annual sales to non-profit charities that work towards improving animal welfare and the environment...how cool is that?

Shop Neuaura # 1 Now

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Wakami Gives a Hand to Guatemala

Wakami is a brand developed by Kiej de los Bosques, a social enterprise that markets products from rural communities in Guatemala.

They started working with a single rural community 15 years ago, and now collaborate with over 40 groups. During this time they have learned a lot about community development, social entrepreneurship, productive processes based on quality and demand, and the improvement of livelihoods through income generation and market access. They have also learned a lot about about them selves!

Earth Bracelets...a story:

Once upon a time the EARTH was created, and then the SUN, the STARS, WATER & AIR, PLANTS, ANIMALS and PEOPLE... At last, only one thing was missing: a connection between them all, so LOVE was created connecting everything! Every element is represented by each of the 8 different strands woven in Guatemala with ancestral artisanal techniques. This connection story is told in a beautiful booklet, that will welcome you to a new imaginary in which your purchase will transform the life of a Guatemalan rural women.

Shop Wakami and help Guatemalan communities

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Carolina Delgado- Jewelry made in Mompox -Colombia

Working together with her artisans from the Colombian town of Mompox, Carolina Delgado’s designs are inspired by the modern, elegant and feminine woman that enjoys wearing exclusive jewelry, which combines design and color with an exquisite touch of exclusivity and good taste.

MOMPOX-COLOMBIA

  Shop Carolina Delgado and Give a hand to Momposinos!!