Fair Trade October - Here's What We've Been Up To

by Kaelin Benton
27 October, 2023
2 min read

Embracing our journey, while forging ahead.

Here's what we're working on.

Having completed three decades of progress and growth, we take immense pride in our achievements in La Esperanza. We've dedicated ourselves to building robust resources, offering unwavering support, and fostering development among the women and families in our community. Our commitment extends beyond just ensuring artisans receive fair wages; it includes providing them with health benefits, professional training, education, and much more.

Nonetheless, there's still a long road ahead. Take a glimpse into some of the projects we have been actively engaged in during 2023.

Product Design

We've been working diligently on expanding our product offerings. This journey began by collaborating with Colorado State Student Designers, sourcing materials, and working closely with our talented Guatemalan designer, Cristi. This collaborative effort led to exciting new creations, including ornaments, a stunning upcycled denim collection, continued upgrades to our kitchen fabrics, and charming new animal pot holders.

Earth Friendly

This year we have been testing many different natural oils so that we can continue to craft products that reflect our commitment to both artistry and the environment. We're proud to introduce our eco-friendly journey into Earth-Friendly Oils, a venture that involved our skilled woodworkers, Diego and Raquel. Together, we've chosen the perfect sustainable finish for our wood products – Real Milk Paint Tung Oil.

Overcoming Challenges

Throughout this year, our journey has led us down unexpected paths, testing our mettle and dedication in new ways. The local challenges we encountered demanded strong leadership and innovative problem-solving from the women in our community. Tragically, we also faced the sudden loss of Lili, our President, and navigated through a complex political landscape in Guatemala. It's been a year of navigating uncharted waters, and we are incredibly proud of the resilience and unity displayed by our team.

In the face of adversity, we remain unwavering in our mission to uplift our community through jobs and education. Our dedication to these vital goals has only grown stronger. We are here to support the incredible individuals who make our work possible. While the road has been winding, our commitment remains steadfast. Together, we will continue to overcome obstacles and ensure a brighter future for all.

Not only that...

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Palmer Foundation, we're taking impactful steps toward a brighter future. Their support has allowed us to make several vital upgrades: a new stove, providing hot lunches for our women and preschoolers; a freezer for bulk food purchases; an oven for high-quality bakery items; and a water-saving washing machine used for fabric, daycare sheets, and more. These changes are transforming our community, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Palmer Foundation for believing in our mission and helping us turn dreams into reality.

Fair Trade October - Here's What We've Been Up To

Fair Trade October - Here's What We've Been Up To

Embracing our journey, while forging ahead.

Here's what we're working on.

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