Woven in Collaboration: The Story Behind the Zunil Belt
How It’s Made
I met the founders of Antigua Threads for the first time in one of my favorite coffee shops in Antigua, Fat Cat. They had purchased a belt from a nearby market that they were interested in reimagining for their new brand. The original belt looked well-loved and featured a uniquely woven design. I was excited for the challenge.
Original Sample next to our empty coffee cup
We gave the belt to Feliza Cúmez, master weaver and sister-in-law of our Director, Flory, who made the first sample for Antigua Threads. We were all thrilled with the results! But we had a challenge: we could only produce fabric for ten belts a month with just one artisan weaving this design.
Feliza’s First Sample
If we aren’t able to visit the artisan in person, we always ask the artisans to send a picture to us when they finish the first few inches of the design to make sure all is on track.
A common issue for the artisan-made sector is scaling production so that a brand can grow. Together, we came up with a few capacity-expanding solutions:
We found two additional artisan groups through our networks who could master this technique. It was challenging to ensure all three groups maintained the same level of quality, but bit by bit, we built one solid additional partnership.
Antigua Threads purchased two new looms for the artisans, speeding up production capacity.
We explored alternative textile techniques for future belts, focusing on designs that can be made at higher volume while still benefiting artisans in Guatemala. Be sure to follow Antigua Threads to see when that new design is launched soon!
True collaboration means growing together, thoughtfully, transparently, and at a pace that supports both the artisan and the brand.
Antigua Threads Zunil Belt
The final product.
Behind the Brand
What first drew your eye to the original Zunil belt you found in the market, and what was your reaction when you saw the first sample that Feliza wove?
What first caught our eye about the Zunil belt at the market was how vibrant and alive it was. Honestly, we had never seen another belt like it anywhere in the world. The colors, the patterns, and the detail all stood out right away. It felt like wearable art. The Zunil isn’t just a belt; it’s a piece that carries Guatemala’s culture and story within it. It’s bold, colorful, and completely unique, and it always sparks a conversation.
When we saw the first sample that Feliza wove, we were blown away. She took something that was already beautiful, made it her own, and elevated it. Watching her weave gave us a whole new level of appreciation for her craftsmanship. It takes nearly a full day to weave just one belt, and when you’re standing beside her, you understand why. You see the patience, the focus, and the skill that’s been passed down through generations. It brings the product to life in a way that’s hard to explain. It’s not just another machine-made accessory. It’s something that has meaning, soul, and heritage woven into it.
What is it that you love about Guatemala?
Guatemala has felt welcoming from the first time we set foot in the country. At first, it was the adventure that drew us in: climbing active volcanoes, wandering the cobblestone streets of Antigua, exploring Lake Atitlán. Over time, it’s become so much more than that. Now it truly feels like a second home. Each trip back is filled with visits to friends, business partners, weavers, and their families, who have made us feel part of their community. Every time we return, it feels like no time has passed. We just pick up right where we left off.
What stands out most about Guatemala is the people. There’s a warmth and gratitude that you feel in every interaction. Guatemalans take pride in what they have and share it freely. We’ve been welcomed into homes, shared meals, gone to local ferias, and built friendships that mean a lot to us. Everyone we meet is genuine and open, eager to share their world. Over time, Guatemala has become part of who we are. We go back every six months to spend time with our partners and artisans and to stay connected to what matters most. And every time we leave, it somehow feels like the best trip we’ve ever had.
You always have a positive attitude, even when challenges have arisen in your supply chain. What advice do you have for other startup companies when things get tough?
Having each other as business partners has been one of our biggest strengths. When things get tough, we talk through the problems together, share the weight, and keep each other motivated. We know setbacks are inevitable. They’re part of running a business, especially when you’re creating something by hand across countries. Challenges will always come up, but we push each other to stay creative and find solutions. Those tough moments are often what make us stronger.
We’ve had to pivot plenty of times with partners, products, or designs, and every single time it’s led to growth. We’ve learned to stay flexible and open-minded. Some of the best things that have happened to us came out of moments that felt really difficult at the time. And honestly, attitude is everything. If you don’t stay positive, it’ll drain you fast. You have to believe in what you’re building, even when things get messy. That belief keeps us going.
Our two keys to a strong partnership are simple: overcommunicate and be proactive.
Antigua Threads Founders, Turner and Jack with master weaver, Feliza Cúmez