about us
cHALLENGE THE NORM
HOW we are different from a traditional wholesaler
Lower Minimums:
Each workshop or cooperative sets their own minimums which can vary depending on technique.
Less Waste:
We work with partners who have low minimums, so we only order what you need for your products, and we make a plan together of how to use any waste so that it doesn’t become the burden of the producers.
Fully Transparent Pricing:
You will receive an invoice that outlines the cost of goods and the amount paid to the artisans. A separate invoice will be sent for our services, so there are never any hidden markups.
Large Impact:
You can help small workshops grow and increase economic opportunities within their communities.
Close Communication:
Our English speaking facilitator in Guatemala will be the only person along side you and the head of the workshop or artisan.
Exceptional Eye for Quality:
We choose to work with the best in the business, not the cheapest. Your product will go through three different quality control checks.
Flexible Services:
Only pay for what you need. Instead of adding a markup on your products, we charge a separate service fee which can evolve as your business needs change and never impacts the amount going directly to the artisans
Shorter Terms:
The workshops and artisans we partner with mostly work contract to contract, so we have shorter net payment due. It is very important for them to be paid on time, net 15 from the completion of the quality control inspection by us.
oUR PHILOSOPHY
Wages:
The artisans set the rate they determine as fair, we don’t negotiate down. This rate is always higher than what they can charge in the local market and working with other middlemen. In 2022 we did a study to ensure that the foot loom and backstrap weavers we work with receive the Guatemalan minimum wage per hour. The main sewing workshop we collaborate with is a Guatemalan registered business that pays minimum wage.
Certification:
We are a network of small workshops, cooperatives, and individual artisans. We aren’t certified. We believe that certifications are important in the fashion industry, and were built to hold large corporations accountable.
Design Integrity:
Maya Textiles are owned by the Maya. We provide credit and financial compensation where due when co-designing textiles based on native motifs. We will not source “used”, “upcycled”, or “recycled” handwoven textiles for you. We only develop new textiles that provide work today.
Sustainability:
Let’s work together to decrease the environmental impact of your product! Here are a few ways we can work towards sustainability:
Natural Dyes
Weaving with Natural or Recycled Materials
Collecting Scraps and creating Upcycled Products
No Individual Poly Bags for Shipments
Conscious Marketing:
We understand that sharing the incredible amount of work that goes into the products you sell is important to your brand. We have seen a lot of poor examples of artisans being exploited for a poorly designed marketing strategy. We have built a system in collaboration with the artisans themselves and photographers we trust to help your brand share the story of the products you make in a conscious way.