ABOUT | Manos de Maya

About us

Empowering Women Through Craft and Community

Manos de Maya, established in 2017, is a collective of women who have learned to sew as a way to generate extra income to support their families. In many parts of Guatemala, educational opportunities for girls have historically been limited, often ending after sixth grade. Financial barriers to schooling still exist today, making it difficult for many women to access broader opportunities.

Through Manos de Maya, these mothers are building new skills and creating sustainable income. They meet twice a week to sew, collaborate, and learn new techniques. Their work not only contributes financially to their households, but also fosters confidence, independence, and a strong sense of community.

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Ethically

Made

Sustainably

Sourced

Fair

Trade

Team

Manos de Maya is a small but focused group of women who have learned to sew as a means of increasing their income to support their families. Several are single moms and most have not more than a sixth grade education, but all have taken well to learning to sew. Their earnings from sewing are a significant addition to their family’s income. Twice weekly they meet to sew and are continually learning to make new products and to improve their skills.

Products are made from traditional textiles that are hand woven either on a backstrap loom or a foot loom. All items are Fair Trade and the women receive the majority of the selling price. They have no out-of-pocket expense; their only investment is their time.

Aura Hernandez

Hello, my name is Aura and I have 5 grown children. I’m grateful that all my children have graduated from high school, have good jobs and are industrious. My husband is a carpenter and handyman. I weave and sell “tipica” items to tourists in Antigua. Though I only attended school through the second grade, I love learning! I especially love learning English.

Alejandra

Hello, I’m Alejandra. I have two children, Jose who is now studying at university and Emily who is in middle school. My husband, Estraudo, works in agriculture planting and harvesting crops. It was a rough time during covid, but things have gotten back to normal. I like to make people laugh and have been called the comedian in our sewing group. I finished sixth grade and also weave to earn extra income. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of Manos de Maya

Maribel Lazaro

Hi, I’m Maribel. My husband and I have 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. Three of my children still live at home and are in school. My oldest has graduated from high school and is now married with a child. My younger children are sponsored by Creating Opportunities for Guatemalans.

My husband is a farmer and handyman. In addition to sewing, I clean and and sell my hand-made weaving to earn money. I finished 6th grade. Maya women are willing to work hard, but sometimes, there just isn’t enough opportunities. I am so very grateful to be a part of Manos de Maya!

Aura Zamora

My name is Aura, and I was widowed a year after my last child, Wilver was born. I have 4 children, 2 girls, and 2 boys, all of which are adults now. I’m also a grandmother now. In addition to sewing with Manos de Maya, I earn money by cleaning and weaving. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to go to school and therefore, I can’t read or write but I did learn to write my name when I started sewing. When I first started sewing, I was very timid and almost didn’t return after the first session, but I’m so glad I did! Now I have confidence and feel there are more things I can do to support my family.

Lesbia Salazar

My name is Lesbia and I am the manager of Manos de Maya. I live with my extended family and graduated from high school with a focus in accounting. Before joining Manos de Maya, I worked in a pharmacy. I also practice the traditional art of weaving, especially huipils, our beautiful Mayan blouses.

I like sewing and enjoy helping the other women in the group strengthen their skills and craftsmanship. As manager, I use my accounting skills and my growing English, skills which are important in supporting the organization’s success. I also have a deep love for animals and have several pets.

Gloria

Hi, I’m Gloria, a single mom with a son, Carlos who is a high school graduate. I’m very grateful that my son had the opportunity to get an education since I only went through second grade. Carlos and I live with my brother who owns several fruit carts in Antigua and now Carlos works with him. It has been hard being a single mom, and I am thankful for my family’s support as well the opportunity to be a part of Manos de Maya. I enjoy sewing and having the extra income helps a lot.

Marleny Hernandez

Hi I’m Marleny. I married my husband, Joel, when I was 19. Together we have 3 boys and one girl. I’m very happy that our 2 oldest have graduated from high school and that my other children are in school. Unfortunately, my formal education stopped at the end of third grade. I started sewing when I was 15 to help my family. I enjoy it and am good at it. I make a lot of Manos de Maya jean jackets with the huipil inserts. I’m also a very good weave and can identify the area where a huipil was made.

(now retired but still a source for identifying where a huipil or corte is from)

Cindy Perez

Hi, I’m Cindy and am currently studying computer engineering at university. I started sewing during Covid. We were a group of middle and high school students sewing as a junior Manos de Maya group. We made water bottle holders and face masks. The rules were that the money we made from sewing, half went into savings and the other half into our pockets. With the money that I saved, I was able to buy a computer which I still use today. I like sewing and really enjoy using my very vintage sewing machine that I was given. The money I make now from Manos de Maya helps pay for my university tuition. I also speak English and sometimes help with Manos de Maya tours.

Martina Perez

My name is Martina and am a single mom. I have four children, Dalyin, Jose Fernando, Fernanda and Galina. I’m very proud of all my children, they are smart and good students. Dalyin has graduated from High School and is now at the University of San Carlos while holding a full-time job as a barista. My other children are in school thanks to the support of Creating Opportunities for Guatemalans. Fernando, my second oldest is a member of a junior Rotary club and does a lot of community service involving street dogs. I was very nervous when I started sewing, always afraid of making a mistake. It’s not like that now and I’ve come to rely on my sewing earnings. My favorite things to make are tote bags and purses but I’m learning to make other things as well. I only have a second-grade education and am very proud that my children will grow to be educated adults.