Why are we selling bracelets?

            Mexico has many different cultural areas; each one distinct from the next. From the arid plateau of Central Mexico to the tropical rainforest of the Yucatan peninsula, the rich cultural diversity of Mexico’s Indigenous people is reflected in their languages, food, artwork and much more.

            In the rainforest of the Yucatan peninsula, many different groups of Mayan peoples live and carry out the centuries old cultural traditions of their ancestors who occupied the peninsula for thousands of years before the arrival of the Europeans. The Mayan people are warm and caring, and have a deep appreciation for nature.

            Most contemporary Mayan people live in small kin based communities and work the land they live on. They grow corn as their main food staple, just as the ancient Maya did. They lead a modest life, but are happy. They are extremely talented artists and also have a vast knowledge of plants and herbs that can be used medicinally.

            In today’s fast-paced world, it is difficult for them to make a fair living wage working as artisans, which for many is their primary trade. Now-a-days, most of the men of the community make their living by selling carbon, which they make from wood they collect themselves in the jungle. The women make jewelry, hand embroidered dresses called huipil, and various other handicrafts. However, leaving the community in order to sell goods is almost impossible for them. For that reason, many women don't have the oportunity to sell their work.  This makes it hard for them to make enough money to live well. 

            Part of our mission is to improve the lives of Indigenous people in Mexico. That’s why we have started a program in which we sell jewelry handmade by Mayan women in Quintana Roo, Mexico.  Each bracelet purchased helps to provide a sustainable job with a good wage. The more bracelets we sell, the more orders we can make! More orders mean more sustainable full-time jobs are created by Mayan community!

            We want to provide as many sustainable, local, full-time jobs as we can for these hardworking, dedicated people, so we've partnered with the Circle of Joy and Prosperity to help us ensure that.  These women truly want to work, and therefore deserve a job.  It makes us feel good to know that we can directly give a job to someone and improve their quality of life.

            Please help by purchasing one of these unique bracelets hand-made just for us! Share the story behind it with friends and family! Help us spread the word by wearing your bracelet proudly and telling others where they can get one too! It will make you feel good to know that you are helping create jobs for people who truly want and need them.