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All this month, your purchases will help build a preschool in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. La Puerta Abierta, a force for innovative education in rural areas, is raising funds to construct a two-story module, including three classrooms, a multipurpose room, and an open area for special events.

As part of our commitment to the communities that create our products, we'll donate 15% of all September sales to the project. We're proud to support La Puerta Abierta, whose name means "The Open Door," as they work to achieve their goal.

According to Amanda Flayer, founder of the organization, their goal is ambitious: "By providing an educational space with opportunities for all and a celebration of diversity, we will prepare our students to be the next generation of change leaders in their community, capable of using their voices and facing their struggles with confidence."

For almost 20 years, La Puerta Abierta has developed educational programs in rural Guatemala. Their team has designed a nonconventional curriculum that embraces exploratory learning and tangible experiences. What's more, 94% of their leadership is indigenous Mayan, which strengthens their identity and credibility within the community.

"We know that our youngest students will grow up to be the future of our country," says Flayer. "It's essential that their first contact with education is positive, interactive, dignified, and bright."

For more information about La Puerta Abierta, click here.

Our collection celebrates all kinds of handmade treasures. We proudly showcase a diverse range of artisans, from weavers and potters to bead makers and textile designers. Most excitingly, we promote cross-cultural creations.

Let's take a peek behind the scenes, using one great example: we source recycled glass beads in Ghana, then journey to Guatemala, where they're transformed into fun fusion jewelry, blending West African and Central American cultures.

The process starts in Koforidua, Ghana, where a bustling bead market has thrived for more than two centuries. Here, you can buy directly from local artisans, boosting their communities. The market is a feast for the eyes, overflowing with vibrant glass beads. Wandering through the rows of sellers is a thrilling adventure. But be prepared: when you buy a kilo of beads or more, carrying them to the trotro stop is quite a workout! (A "trotro" is a minibus that serves as a shared taxi.)

In Guatemala, the adventure continues. The beaders there love to mix beads and findings from around the world. They get instantly inspired when they open the bags from Ghana, revealing the colorful beads within.

From this thrilling combination of cultures and creators, you get products in a league all their own. When you buy one of these, like a gleaming piece of fusion jewelry, you're taking a journey around the world.

This May, Unique Batik is celebrating moms everywhere by giving back. Fifteen percent of all sales this month will support ODIM Guatemala's Healthy Mommy & Me program -- a powerful initiative that provides prenatal care, breastfeeding education, nutrition support, and emotional connection to moms in rural Indigenous communities.

Why It Matters

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic childhood malnutrition in the world: a staggering 47% of children under the age of five suffer from stunting. In rural and Indigenous areas, the rates soar to over 58%.

Malnutrition limits a child's ability to grow, learn, and thrive. It traps families in a generational cycle of poverty, especially in rural areas where over 76% of the population lives in poverty and access to healthcare is limited. 

But there's hope: global studies show that if we invest in children's health and nutrition during the first 1,000 days -- from pregnancy to age two -- we can dramatically improve lifelong outcomes.

What the Program Does

Founded in 2015, ODIM's Healthy Mommy & Me program is rooted in this critical window of development. Each year, they aim to enroll 100 mothers and babies from rural Indigenous communitie in San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna.

The four-part model includes:

• Prenatal and postnatal healthcare for moms and babies
• Monthly support groups for emotional well-being and peer connection
• Education on child development and nutrition, using locally available foods and cooking classes
• Nutrional supplements to support healthy growth during critical stages

Your Impact at a Glance

• 100 moms and babies served annually
• 97% of babies born to participants delivered in a safe facility
• 85% of moms exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months
• Measurable improvements in nutrition and child development

Every Purchase Makes an Impact

• You support the artisan who handcrafted your item.
• You support a mother in Guatemala working hard to raise a healthy baby.

Shop with love. Shop with purpose.

Join us in breaking the cycle of malnutrition -- one mom and baby at a time!

SHOP NOW

We are excited to tell you about the arrival of new color fabrics for the popular handwoven cotton ikat men's shirts and pants from Guatemala!

This latest collection brings an array of hues that showcase the best of Guatemalan textile artistry.  The fabrics are woven in the highlands near Totonicapan. The weavers use floor looms to weave each fabric, ensuring that every piece is unique and of the highest quality.

The addition of these new colors allows you to expand your wardrobe and express your personal style with authentic, handcrafted garments. The handwoven cotton shirts are designed for comfort and style, with a relaxed fit, perfect for any occasion. Available in different sizes, these shirts feature intricate ikat patterns that bring the essence of Guatemala to your everyday wear.

Handwoven cotton cargo pants are a versatile and comfortable choice, ideal for any season. We are using solid colors for the pants this time, so you can pair an ikat shirt, t-shirt, or tunic with them. 

By adding a stylish and unique piece to your collection, you are supporting the skilled artisans of Guatemala. Your purchase helps preserve the traditional art of weaving and provides a sustainable income for the local communities. Explore our new collection of handwoven cotton shirts, tunics, and pants today, and embrace the vibrant spirit of Guatemala!

This month, we're excited to share some fascinating news and insights from Ghana, a country renowned for its vibrant culture. As Ghana celebrates its Independence Day on March 6, marking its liberation from British colonial rule, we're reminded of the rich history and resilience of this beautiful nation.

In recent news, Ghana inaugurated its president, John Mahama, for a second term. His inauguration was characterized by a strong affirmation of progress, as he pledged to continue working toward national unity and accountability.

One outstanding aspect of Ghanaian culture is its deep-rooted tradition of bead-making. Beads hold great significance in the nation's history, and they're often worn as fashion accessories, during festivals and ceremonies like weddings and funerals.

We work with artisans at Sun Trade Beads, who create stunning jewelry from recycled glass, like the mali glass bead necklace. They have been playing a vital role in preserving Ghana's bead culture. By offering programs for school children as well as adults, they're passing on the knowledge and history of bead-making, contributing to stronger communities and a rich societal fabric.

Another inspiring story comes from the sewers at Eunimaks. For the past 20 years, they have been skillfully crafting and sewing some of our clothing. Eunimaks has partnered with various apprenticeship programs, providing young people with the opportunity to learn valuable skills and trades.

One project involved working with youth who have been exploited by the fishing industry. They took part in the slipper project, where they learned to make and sew footwear like wax print slippers. The enthusiasm and pride of the workers, including one who shared his excitement on social media, demonstrate the profound impact of these programs. By offering young people the chance to develop new skills, Maku's is helping to build a more resilient Ghanaian economy, reduce poverty, and promote social justice.

As a fair trade clothing and accessory company, we are committed to supporting and promoting the diverse cultural practices of countries like Ghana. We believe in the importance of preserving cultural traditions to maintain a sense of identity and encourage positive change in the world.

Thank you for reading our blog post. Stay tuned for more updates on global cultures and fair trade practices!

This month, we invite you to celebrate some of the skilled individuals behind the products you enjoy. Unique Batik will shine a spotlight on these remarkable artisans of Guatemala. We will be introducing new products from Marta, Anabela, and Diego.

Our journey will take you to some of the 11 villages around picturesque Lake Atitlan, where local artisans create stunning pieces, from handwoven and embroidered textiles to intricate bead work.

Marta is an excellent craftsperson who puts serious time and attention into everything she makes. She is now making and embroidering backpack decorations. (It’s what she does in her in-between time at the tienda.) We are now adding her new embroidered moon design to the colorful stars and hearts she has been making.

Anabela shares her father’s creative spirit. She is managing the tienda her father started. Her family has been working with beads for years, working with families in Santiago. We are proud to feature her new project, embroidered hats, in our spring collection, along with some of her family's new beaded earrings and beaded hat bands. 

We also work with individuals not only creating but providing support and guidance to fellow artisans in need.  These collaborations play a significant role in fostering social and economic change within local communities and the quality of life.

Unique Batik became Diego’s first wholesale customer. Diego worked with his four sisters, at the time. Today, Diego represents 40 bead artists in his home village. Every year, a percentage of our holiday order goes towards tamales, which is a Christmas tradition in the village. We have some new wrap bracelets and earrings coming soon from Diego, in addition to favorites like the Moon Flower Beaded Earrings.

Through our collaboration, we showcase the artistry of Guatemalan craftsmanship on a global scale. By appreciating and investing in these unique, handmade pieces, you become part of the movement that promotes ethical fashion, empowers communities, and safeguards the rich cultural identity of Guatemala.

Through our collaboration, we showcase the artistry of Guatemalan craftsmanship on a global scale. By appreciating and investing in these unique, handmade pieces, you become part of the movement that promotes ethical fashion, empowers communities, and safeguards the rich cultural identity of Guatemala.

The talent and dedication of Guatemalan artisans are the forces behind our fair trade clothing and accessory company. By working together, we create more than stunning ethical products; we foster a sense of connection and community that transcends borders. The next time you wear a handcrafted piece from Guatemala, remember the skilled hands and stories that brought it to life. Let's celebrate and support the remarkable individuals who make our world a more vibrant place.

As we step into the New Year, it's the perfect time to refresh our wardrobes and adopt a more sustainable and ethical approach to fashion. Building an eco-conscious closet not only benefits the environment, but also supports ethical practices within the fashion industry. Follow these tips to curate a wardrobe that aligns with your values and makes a positive impact:

1. Choose Sustainable and Ethical Brands

Support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Research companies that use eco-friendly materials  such as repurposed fabric -- and employ fair labor practices. By voting with your wallet, you encourage more brands to adopt responsible practices.

2. Invest in Quality Over Quantity

Opt for well-made, timeless pieces that are built to last. Focus on durable fabrics, classic styles, and versatile items that can be mixed and matched for various occasions. By investing in quality garments, you'll reduce the need for frequest replacements and contribute less to textile waste.

3. Shop Secondhand

Extend the life of pre-owned clothing by shopping at thrift stores, vintage boutiques, or online resale platforms. Not only will you save money, but you'll also help reduce the environmental impact of new clothing production.

This amazing image -- showing a textile dumpsite in Accra, Ghana -- comes from a fascinating article on fashion waste and its environmental impact. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)

Have you ever wondered what happens to the clothes you donate to organizations? To read more about the designers in Ghana who create super fun clothes from what others have discarded, click on the link:

Finding a Solution to Fashion Waste

4. Try Upcycling

Upcycling the clothes you own but no longer wear is a great way to give them new life.  Or repurpose them into a new fun outfit. 

Right now, we're sending special thoughts to the people of Ghana. On January 1, a massive fire devastated the Kantamanto Market in Accra. The market receives an estimated 15 million items of used clothing every week, and two-thirds of the stalls there were destroyed. To read more about the cleanup efforts, click here.

"E" Is for "Ethical"

And "F" is for "Fair Trade!" With another school year fast approaching, you may be wondering how to make ethical and sustainable choices for back-to-school items. Here are some ways you can do this when you shop:

Choose Fair Trade

Look for backpacks, bags, and pencil pouches made by artisans who are fair trade certified. These bags are often handmade by means of traditional techniques, using handwoven and embroiderd fabrics. When you shop fair trade, your purchase directly gives back to the artisan's local community. To learn more about the positive impacts of fair trade, head to our blog and check out the artisan spotlights about Carmelita, Diego, and Guillermo, just a few of the artisans we're proud to work with.

Consider Eco-Friendly Materials

Look for backpacks made from repurposed fabrics, like those we carry made of repurposed cortes and huipils from Guatemala. These fabrics are typically better for the environment and often have a longer lifespan than other non-organic materials. Using recycled fabrics also helps cut down textile waste and keep these usable materials out of landfills.

Support Local and Independent Designers

When you shop locally for back-to-school items, or buy from independent designers, you support small businesses and keep money in your community. Shopping locally also helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Check for Certifications

Look for certifications like the ones conferred by the Fair Trade Federation and B Corp. These indicate that a brand has met certain standards for ethical and sustainable business practices.

When you choose to shop ethically and sustainably, you reduce your environmental impact and make a positive difference in the world. An important lesson as we head back to school!

A Vivid Symbolism

Guatemalan textiles, particularly huipils, are more than just articles of clothing; they are canvases for self-expression and cultural preservation. Using visual symbols, vibrantly colored, each textile tells an age-old story.

Motifs

Artisans in Guatemala weave their textiles on backstrap looms, continuing a tradition that has lasted for generations. Not surprisingly, the fabrics incorporate traditional motifs with deep cultural significance:

• Plants, especially flowering ones, represent the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. They also symbolize the interconnectedness of all living things.
• Zigzags and broken lines represent serpents, which serve as messengers of the Mayan sun god. These, too, can symbolize rebirth and renewal.

Colors

Colors play an essential role in Guatemalan textiles, with each one conveying specific meanings:

• Blue represents the sky and water, embodying the life-giving forces of nature.
• Red signifies sunrise, daytime, energy, and power, reflecting the vitality of life.
• Yellow symbolizes the sun and corn, both crucial elements in Mayan culture.
• Black represents sunset, nighttime, death, recovery, and war, acknowledging the darker aspects of life.
• White embodies air, spirituality, and hope, signifying the aspirations of the people.
• Green represents plant life, royalty, and the Quetzal, Guatemala's national bird, highlighting the connection between nature and the divine.

When you buy bags and clothing made from repurposed huipils, you help preserve the rich symbolic heritage of Guatemala. In a very concrete way, you experience the beauty of Mayan culture.

We're proud to play a part in this, by offering a wide selection of goods made with authentic Guatemalan textiles. Fair trade is our way of supporting skilled artisans and their traditional craftsmanship.

The Bird-Inspired Artistry of Santiago

The artisans of Santiago, Guatemala have a deep, abiding affinity with nature. Their distinctive creations, from textiles to beadwork, celebrate the flora and fauna surrounding them.

Birds, in particular, inspire their vibrant designs, with depictions both abstract and realistic. There's a fascinating story behind the artistry and symbolism of these designs -- a story we're delighted to share with you!

Why Birds?

Bird species were abundant in the ancient Tzutujil Kingdom, which once encompassed Santiago. As a matter of fact, the Tzutujil people knew the area around Lake Atitlan as the Tz’ikin Jay, or Bird House. Not surprisingly, their great appreciation for birds found expression in their cultural traditions.

Embroidered Birds

The influence of the ancient Tzutujil people can still be felt -- literally. When you explore Santiago today, you can't help but notice the traditional fabrics and avian motifs. These consist of intricate embroidery, used to embellish pants and the blouses known as huipiles. Clearly, the modern-day practice of embroidering birds is a testament to Santiago's history and identity as part of the Bird House.

Beaded Birds

Beadwork is another craft that showcases the Tzutujil reverence for birds. In the process of stringing beads together, artisans work to represent a wide variety of species. Often, they refer to bird books to find inspiration and ensure accurate depictions. This dedication to accuracy is one more sign of the love that birds inspire in Santiago.

Diversity

Within the region, you'll find styles as diverse as birds themselves. Techniques and designs vary from one area to another, even one family to another. When you explore these variations, you get a better understanding of an age-old cultural tapestry, reflecting the natural beauty of Santiago. What's more, you come to feel a passion shared by artisans and enthusiasts -- a passion for preserving regional traditions, so bird-inspired artistry will continue to soar.

We invite you to share your thoughts and questions about the avian artistry of Santiago. The more we learn about these traditions, the more they continue to enchant -- for generations to come!

Reply in the comments below!