about us

Averie Floyd (left), and Flory Perez (right) met in Panajachel, Guatemala in 2014. Flory was Head of Production at a non-profit that worked with backstrap weavers. Averie was a design intern who preferred to be in Flory’s workshop more than in the front of the computer screen.

Averie co-founded Casa Flor Designs in 2016 with her textile soul mate, Rachel Ross. Initially Casa Flor Designs was a D2C fashion brand that featured colorful hand woven textiles and inclusive sizing. Over time, we realized that to grow the brand we would have to leave our beloved Guatemala, but something called to Averie to keep her feet planted here…It could have been her half Guatemalan roots, the coffee, or the breathtaking volcanoes….it was probably all three. We shifted the brand to operate as a B2B business that partners with international brands which allowed us to stay connected to the artisans and makers in Guatemala.

Flory graciously worked for Casa Flor Designs as a consultant and contractor over the years of change, always willing to join us on a sourcing trip to visit the weavers on the weekends. Finally in 2022 Flory was hired as Director of Guatemala. We couldn’t ask for a more empathetic and dedicated leader.

Casa (house):
We wanted to create a design house where all production is under one roof. Where the people we work with (artisan partners to clients) feel like family because people come first here.

Flor (flower):
In Guatemala flowers grow everywhere- out of concrete walls, in between buildings, out of piles of rocks… they are resilient just like the incredible people we partner with. Also we’re constantly inspired by the beautiful color combinations you see in the flowers here and how they’re represented in weavings.

 
 

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.