Dear Friends, 

As the US Director of UPAVIM, I recently returned from Guatemala, and I can’t help but feel inspired by the incredible progress and resilience of our artisans and community. Walking through the bustling workshops in La Esperanza, I saw firsthand how our cooperative is thriving, and I was filled with pride at the growth we’ve achieved—thanks to the support of our wholesale partners like you.

October is Fair Trade Month, and this year, it feels especially significant. Our operations are running more smoothly than ever, and our artisans are creating beautiful products at a pace that reflects their skill and dedication. But the success of UPAVIM isn’t just about increased production—it’s about the lasting, multi-generational impact of Fair Trade on the women and families of La Esperanza.

Fair Trade has long been about more than just fair wages. It’s about creating sustainable opportunities for artisans to support their families, gain independence, and break the cycle of poverty. Over the years, we’ve seen the ripple effect of this empowerment, particularly among the second generation of UPAVIM women.

Pahola, a 2nd generation UPAVIMA and the Director of UPAVIM's school

Take Pahola Chumil, for example. Pahola grew up in La Esperanza, benefiting from the opportunities that UPAVIM provided through education scholarships and family support. Her mother, a hardworking UPAVIMA, raised her with the stability that Fair Trade income afforded their family. Today, Pahola is the Director of UPAVIM's school and a Montessori teacher, continuing the cycle of empowerment that started with her mother.

 Jenifer is a 2nd generation UPAVIMA and our current English Teacher.  She learned English through UPAVIM's programs

It’s not just Pahola. Many second-generation UPAVIM women are now stepping into professional roles, securing careers in education, banking, and other fields outside of our neighborhood. These women are breaking through barriers and providing even more opportunities for the next generation. This is the real power of Fair Trade: sustainable growth that transforms entire communities, one family at a time.

Our Wholesale Partners: Critical to Our Mission

As a wholesale partner, your support is critical in helping us continue this work. Each time you stock UPAVIM’s products in your store, you are directly contributing to the economic empowerment of the women we support. With your help, we’re not only creating beautiful, handcrafted goods—we’re building futures.

This Fair Trade Month, I invite you to celebrate the incredible impact you are helping to make. With every order, you are fueling the programs that provide education and professional opportunities to women like Pahola and others in our community. Together, we’re ensuring that UPAVIM’s artisans can continue to grow, thrive, and provide for their families for generations to come.

Looking Forward: Opportunities and Challenges

While I am heartened by the progress we’ve made, I also know that progress in Guatemala can be fragile. For every success story like Pahola’s, there is another story of struggle within our cooperative and neighborhood. Life remains challenging for many women, and our community continues to face hardships that can set progress back.

But thanks to your support, we are reaching more women, expanding our programs, and ensuring that the next generation of UPAVIM women have the opportunities they need to succeed. By stocking UPAVIM products, you’re making a tangible difference—and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Fair Trade Month Specials: A Token of Appreciation

To thank you for being such a vital part of our journey, we’re offering $10 OFF your next order of $200 or more for Fair Trade Month. This is just a small token of our appreciation for your continued support. Please use the code  FAIRTRADE2024 at checkout, and together, let’s continue to create lasting change.

We’ve also put together a folder of photos and social media content that you can use to share UPAVIM’s story with your customers, showcasing the real impact of Fair Trade. [Link to photos/content folder]

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are not only changing lives—we are changing generations.

With gratitude,
Alisa
US Director, UPAVIM Wholesale