This month, I am delighted to share an exciting opportunity to travel to Oaxaca from May 15 to 22 alongside filmmaker and professor Carolyn Kallenborn and Ana Paula Fuentes, Founding Director of the Textile Museum of Oaxaca.

It's an interactive journey through which you’ll explore the rich textile culture of Oaxaca, meet talented artisans, participate in hands-on activities, bond with like-minded travelers, and eat some of the best food in the world. This is a unique opportunity to be immersed in Oaxaca's culture, beauty, and craft.

I’ve known Ana for years and her depth of knowledge for artisans and the region second to none. I have no doubt this will be an unforgettable experience and a memorable way to explore this part of the world.

I know I already filled you in on the details of Caravana Americana, an amazing artisan show happening this October in Mexico City, but I wanted to write one more time to encourage you to consider attending if your travel schedule allows it. For those on the fence who would like to know more, I just sat down with Gina Barrios, the show’s co-founder, for a fun interview on what to expect.

We dive into her expectations for this year’s show, some of her fave exhibitors, as well as her tips for getting the most out of a visit to Mexico City. I hope you enjoy the conversation. I’ve also included below a short interview I recently did with Guillermo of Dos Tierras, one of the companies exhibiting products at this year’s show that I think really stand out.

If you haven’t already, please save the date for CARAVANA AMERICANA'S artisan show this fall. Held in Mexico City, the show will feature 110 emerging and established Latin American designers showcasing their latest collections of fashion, furniture, and home goods. 

I am delighted to circle back with a longtime colleague and friend Sara Berks of MINNA this month. I've worked with Sara over the years, and during that time, I’ve watched her company grow leaps and bounds. She started with just a few small lines of rugs and pillows from Guatemala and has since opened up a brick-and-mortar shop in Upstate New York and developed one of the leading artisan brands in the US. What sets MINNA apart – beyond the soulfulness of its art direction, the quality of its products, and the fantastic storytelling – is the cohesiveness of her brand. Sara and her team have developed a signature style that is seen all the way through, from conception to execution, from product designs to how each new collection is thoughtfully photographed. As I work with brands, I always stress the value of strong photography. I am delighted to feature Sara this week as a primary example of someone who has built a strong brand identity through design, photography, and storytelling. Dive into our interview here - I hope you enjoy it. 

This week I am delighted to share some beautiful finds from my partner in Mexico (Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya), who has been working hard to create employment opportunities for master craftsmen and women impacted by the pandemic. In partnership with enterprises around Mexico and guidance from Igenris and the United Nations Development Program, they have created a non-profit to promote the production activity of artisans in Mexico who have been affected by the uncertainty caused by social distancing measures. The non-profit guarantees fair income to families and communities with a mission to help preserve the heritage and cultural identity of Mexico.

This week I’m delighted to share something really special with you. Another partner of mine in Mexico is making some beautiful wall art, including these handcrafted mirrors made from upcycled fabric. Every piece is made from cotton remnants that were discarded because of small manufacturing mistakes. My partner reuses this fabric residue and transforms it into these stunning statement pieces. The innovation behind this raw cotton thread is quite impressive as they have found a beautiful solution for waste.