3 Men's Braided Friendship Bracelets from Guatemala - Unity Makes Strength

Artisan Organization: María Canil

Country: Central America

"I was born in a community of Chichicastenango, in a hard-working, humble and very united family. My parents taught me and my brother to fight for our dreams and from a very young age, they instilled in us art and work. Due to the lack of economic resources, we learned different types of artisan weaving, traditional weaving, macramé and embroidery. We made all these products which gave us the opportunity to have a good education to be able to prepare ourselves personally and professionally.

"Art caught my attention from a very young age because through it one could express their ideas and thoughts in a world of colors in which we identify ourselves because that is how our Chichicasteca culture is.

"My first product was a macramé ribbon; I sold it in the Chichicastenango market. It gave me the assurance that the product could be a success in the artisan market. Due to a lack of economic resources, I had to go out and offer my products in different municipalities and departments within the country, regardless of the circumstances of how I would arrive at my destination, all in order to generate a little income. It has been a constant struggle to get ahead.

"Establishing myself as an individual artisan has challenged me as a woman and an entrepreneur. It is an activity where I have had to innovate and create new pieces, always seeking the satisfaction of customers with new trends and colors.

"I am infinitely grateful for the opportunity to be able to show my products internationally. You can be sure that you are purchasing a product that takes a lot of love and dedication, from the design and the selection of colors to the materials. You will have a unique piece, like each one of us." "