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.

Throughout my time in the field, I’ve seen a lot of product from Colombia but I find these handbags to be among the country’s most special and beautiful finds. For those of you looking for a new line of fresh bags for summer, take a peek! I love the use of natural colors, some more subdued and others with a bit more boldness and energy. The line really does speak for itself – it’s pure beauty, articulated in the exquisite details of construction.

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.

This week, I thought we would look at my partner from Guatemala, offering some bright and uplifting textiles for the kitchen. The colors work perfectly for those outdoor summer, dinner parties. This collection is made using raw cotton, natural plant dyes, and recycled denim. Every step considers low impact, and environmentally friendly.

This week I thought I would focus on another partner of mine offering glassware as it’s been a strong request this year. Perhaps that’s because we are all looking to create a sense of calm in our living spaces.

I am delighted to share that I’ve recently partnered up with the New World Crafts fair, a wonderful sourcing trade show in Antigua, Guatemala. The fair offers a truly unique chance to connect directly with talented artists from Guatemala and throughout Central America. Over the next few months, I’ll be highlighting some of the unique products and export-ready artisan enterprises that exhibit at the annual show. It’s so inspiring and beautifully curated. While normally it happens in person in one of the most beautiful settings you could imagine (ahem – I definitely recommend saving the date in your travel calendar for next year!), because so much of our lives and our businesses are being conducted online this year, I thought it would be helpful to share some of the exhibitors that stood out to me.