our Economic Freedom
The Artisan Marketplace and our communal approach to reduce anemia.
The Artisan Market directly supports women artisans economically, preserves cultural heritage, and helps fund the village’s future medical clinic.
From an early age women in the community begin learning and preserving the ancient art of weaving, but making profit from this art-form can be challenging.
Because many women would otherwise need to leave the community to sell their products, we chose to eliminate that burden by serving as their intermediary.
Without reliable transportation or the income needed to reach distant markets, achieving economic stability becomes a significant challenge. Women often carry the added responsibility of caring for alpacas and other livestock, managing the household, and raising children.
These essential roles keep them close to home, and many are unable, or choose not, to leave the community for long periods. When families can’t cover basic needs, children who are ill don’t get care. Elderly who are injured go without recovery. Pregnant mothers are forced to make impossible decisions. Despite these challenges, the women of Huacahuasi continue to demonstrate remarkable strength, resilience, and dedication to their families and traditions. They keep weaving their stories, and we keep sharing.
Being so remote impacts everything.
Our 2030 Goal: Bring Financial stability & Independence to women and girls within the community so that they can overcome healthcare barriers and live more dignified lives.
What’s Next?
Our long-term goal is to create a system to support the women within in the community and help them to build their own financial independence and wealth.
We will continue to purchase our products directly, at full price, from the women themselves. Each trip we bring home a new collection with vibrant new colors and patterns.
Check out some of the community members’ incredible items in our Marketplace!