Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmin C and Valentina M
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We are Jazmin C., born in Guadalajara, Jal. Mexico, and Valentina M., born in Popayán, Colombia. We’ve been friends and business partners for the past two years. As Latinas, we met while improving our English at Austin Community College (ACC). We quickly became friends and started thinking of a business that reflected our shared passions and could do good for others.
Over countless conversations and cups of coffee we thought, why not sell cool handmade stuff from communities in need? We could help single moms and indigenous women and bring a piece of our hometowns to the U.S. That’s how Latincrafty came to life!
Discovering Artisans
In Mexico, we discovered women in prison making beautiful, colorful bags from recycled plastic as part of a second-chance program. These bags are not only eco-friendly and waterproof but also help support their families. We also connected with elderly women in Jalisco who have been creating and selling these bags for years to sustain their families.
In Colombia, we found the stunning Wayuu bags from La Guajira. The Wayuu women are expert weavers, creating intricate, bright-colored bags using techniques passed down through generations. Each bag takes about 25 days to make and is a unique piece of art.
Supporting Communities and Sharing Culture
Every product we sell tells a story of the artisan behind it. By purchasing from Latincrafty, our customers support these communities, providing financial stability and preserving traditional crafts.
For us, Latincrafty is more than a business; it’s a way to stay connected to our roots and share our culture with Austin. We aim to build bridges between cultures and showcase the beauty of Latin American craftsmanship.
Looking Ahead
We continue to seek new artisans and expand our product range, maintaining high standards of quality and authenticity. We are excited about the future and our potential to make an even bigger impact. Our goal is to keep growing while staying true to our mission of supporting communities and sharing our culture.
Join us in celebrating Latin American craftsmanship and supporting communities in need. Visit our website or follow us on social media to learn more about Latincrafty and our products.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being in a new country with a new language and different ways to start a business has been our biggest challenge. Navigating the legal and financial aspects of starting a business in the U.S. was initially overwhelming. Additionally, weather conditions at the markets posed a bit of a challenge, especially when it rained or was extremely hot, affecting our sales and overall experience. To this day, logistics remain a hurdle, especially when bringing larger quantities of bags from our countries. Ensuring that our products arrive on time and in good condition is an ongoing challenge, but we are constantly working on improving our processes. We love what we do!!!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We collaborate with the talented women crafting our bags, merging diverse cultural influences into each unique design.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Some other people who deserve credit
First and foremost, we must acknowledge the incredible women whose hands make each beautiful and unique creation possible. Without their skill and dedication, Latincrafty wouldn’t exist. We are deeply grateful to the communities in Mexico and Colombia who have welcomed us and allowed their products to be part of our brand. Their trust and collaboration mean everything to us.
Our families in Colombia and Mexico also play a crucial role. They handle all the logistics there, ensuring that the products reach us here in Austin in perfect condition. Their support and hard work behind the scenes are invaluable.
We cannot forget our amazing customers in Austin, across Texas, and even in other parts of the country. Their enthusiasm and appreciation for the authenticity and craftsmanship of our bags and accessories have been a tremendous source of motivation for us. They have truly embraced our vision and helped us grow.
Lastly, we want to give a special thank you to our husbands. They have believed in our project from the very beginning and have been our rock through all the challenges and successes. Their support has been unwavering, and we are incredibly grateful for their encouragement and faith in us.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your contributions, support, and belief in Latincrafty have made all the difference.
Pricing:
- 20-70 usd
Contact Info:
- Website: http://latincrafty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latincrafty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092524181038&mibextid=LQQJ4d
