Our Guatemalan partner cooperative, Pixan, is made up of over 170 weavers across 15 communities in the western highlands of Guatemala. Pixan (Pea-shaun) creates opportunities for weavers in historically marginalized communities by championing fair pay, safe working conditions, community development, healthcare, and dignified jobs by connecting them with global partners like us.

The initiative was founded in 1993 by Guadalupe Ramírez, who was originally from Tejutla, San Marcos. Guadealupe began to work for a community organization and social development in favor of indigenous women who did not have access to opportunities. These roots gave life to the first circles of women in the communities of Chontala El Quiché, which were formed by mostly female victims of the internal armed conflict that took place in Guatemala in the 1960s.

What we love about Pixan is that they are an ethical social business model that gives indigenous women access to opportunities in a globalized world. Through this model they do not migrate from their communities, thus preventing possible discrimination and harassment while maintaining community stability and development. Pixan strengthens their Maya culture by preserving traditional weaving techniques and indigenous patterns. While they set out to accomplish true responsible fashion, their heart is to focus on their most important thing; the women. Pixan is a collection of enterprising, resilient, business women who are finding their space in an industrialized and globalized world.

“Pixan is a word in Nahuatl, our native Mayan language, that means ‘Spirit’. Everything we do carries the spirit of a woman, Spirit of innovation, Spirit of Fashion…” 

- The Women of Pixan

For the past four years, we have been honored to join them in preserving Guatemala’s rich traditional craft and empowering these incredible women towards economic self sufficiency. To shop products by this artisan partner, shop our Colotenango, Nahuala, Chichi, and Corte Patterns.

Take Heart, Take Flight!

-Travel Patterns Team