Maya Mam Weavers
Today, Maya Mam Weavers is a thriving women-owned business providing regular income to about 23 women from Cajolá. When the workload is too high for their own abilities they outsource to other women-owned cooperatives, thereby indirectly supporting another 8 to 12 women. The weavers sell their products in the Guatemala market as well as to Maya Mam Weavers in the U.S. which was established to market their products.
Mayamam Crossback apron
Mayamam Table linen
Maya Mam Weavers began as a women’s group looking for a way to overcome their poverty. They began learning to weave on foot looms and training to sew on pedal sewing machines --eventually graduating to industrial machines. Weaving on the backstrap loom, the traditional loom which is part of their Maya heritage, was also incorporated into their work. Over time, the women’s skills improved, the quality of their work improved, and the products began to compete in the U.S. market.
The women create a wide range of products from vibrant cotton scarves and shawls, to travel bags, kitchen towels, and heirloom-quality table linens. New product development is a collaboration between the women in Cajolá and the team in the U.S., with product ideas originating in both groups. During the process of making samples, each group may suggest changes to reflect market preferences or sewing and weaving efficiencies, making it a true collaboration.
In addition to their beautiful work, the women in Cajolá have developed remarkable business skills. They independently manage the business with a team of coordinators responsible for sales, marketing, finance, production, and quality control.
Sewing in action
Maya Mam Weavers