As the founder of Etnica I’ve been fortunate and privileged of encountering breath-taking places with amazing humans. I’ve traveled back in time, learning from people whose knowledge and value go beyond what the simple eye perceives. During this process I’ve met people who’ve left a mark in my life, strengthening not only my knowledge and perception of its true meaning, but people who’ve forged a character in me that not even the best university in the world can give you.

Since this adventure began, I’ve met incredibly amazing talented and wise people, with whom I’ve shared in a way that’s helped me become a better human being. I’m dedicating this blog post to a person that I’ll never forget and who continues to earn my admiration and respect every day.

Before starting Etnica, I did a preliminary research on groups of artisans and weavers in Guatemala, in order to understand not only their background, but also their adversities, threats, strengths and opportunities.

One of the places I used to visit frequently was San Antonio Aguas Calientes’ handcrafts market; this was for two reasons, first because it was one of the closest places to visit from Guatemala City, which is where I live. Second for the recognition, complexity and fame of the techniques used by the weavers of the community. Their technique is known as brocade, and one of its main characteristics is that the fabric can be admired on both sides. These amazing weavers make two-sided textiles!

During my visits, I would carry a pen and a notebook with me, and would try to visit the different artisan and weaver businesses within the market. I started conversations that were usually based on trying understanding what it meant to be a weaver, what was the impact within the community, and what could be the alternatives to create channels to help them sell and display their products. I was always well received, however there was a young woman weaver from whom I felt a bit of distrust, she was watching my every move carefully, which led me to wonder how could I approach her?

Fashion designers steal their designs every day, re-sellers profit from their products but pay the bare minimum to the hands that created each piece of art without even recognizing them as the authors, and the list goes on. So I got where she was coming from, and as an external person, the last thing I wanted was to cause discomfort, so I avoided at all costs creating controversy or any kind of confrontation. I assumed that eventually with time I would earn their trust, and I wouldn’t be seen as a threat.

Time went by and I kept visiting the market, my presence at some point even became normal. To such an extent that eventually this young weaver approached me and said: “why do you keep coming? And what are your true intentions?” I replied: “I just want to get involved, learn and understand the best way possible to help weavers and artisan groups in Guatemala in selling their products, respecting cultural heritage, times of production, and introducing community tourism activities and fair trade practices. I’m planning on visiting more communities in the highlands of Guatemala and keep investigating.”

She looked me dead in the eyes, and said “are you planning to do this on your own? because it sounds like you could use some help.” Sort of joking I replied: “it would be great if you could come with me so you can give me your perspective and help me go on in the right direction.” I figured she would laugh at me, but the complete opposite happened, she said she would tag along and help me, as long as she could bring her 5-year-old son with her.

I didn’t hesitate and obviously said YES! This was the start of my friendship with Milly Lopez and her son Javi.

We traveled together to different communities in Lake Atitlán, Chimaltenango and Quiché, her help, guidance and contribution was vital to the construction of Etnica. Over the years we became great friends, participated in artisan events and fairs together. We made a short documentary about women weavers in San Antonio Aguas Calientes where obviously Milly was key. She’s taught a few of our travelers how to weave, so we knew her passion, love and pride for traditions and culture was destined for greatness.

The Start of Chokojol Juyú

On November 2019, Milly told me along with her sisters Wendy and Rosalinda were cooking up an awesome idea. They were concerned about the lack of interest of children of her community in learning how to weave, and speaking their dialect Kaqchikel. This threat isn’t unique to Milly’s community, it happens in many Guatemalan villages and leads to extinction of culture and traditions. This happens because, unlike previous generations, most housewives and mothers are forced to work limiting the time they can invest in sharing this knowledge with their children.

Milly and her sisters’ proposal caught my attention, it was unlike any other initiative I knew from a weaver association. Their main mission was creating a school for children to teach them how to weave, and continue learning their native language Kaqchikel. The school would have a demonstration center to show visitors and tourists the positive aspects of a working model that encourages new generations to be proud of their heritage, culture and traditions.

They were filling a gap and need that could be replicated in other communities and could be a model for weavers in the country. Once they put everything in order and defined a structure, their wonderful project took off under the name Chokojol Juyú (surrounded by mountains in Kaqchiquel).  

Unfortunately, the pandemic started, if it’s hard for a business, image for a project that was just taking off. Like others, Milly and her sisters had to re-invent their strategy.

As time went by, and people started coping with this “new reality” they decided to retake on their plans. For starters, the women reached out to parents in the community to invite their children to be part of the first generation of students of Chokojol Juyú.  

The initial results were fantastic; in a matter of two hours they already had a list of 22 children, 19 girls and 3 boys! The initiative was very well received, only pushing them further. They visited each of the houses, interviewed potential students to evaluate their availability and commitment. The emotion and interest of each of the students was overwhelming, and before they knew it they were ready to start!

They found a place to give life to the Chokojol Juyú School, and through fundraising, the women acquired materials for each student. Their first pilot program was 5 weeks-long, none of the students dropped out, and all of them completed it successfully.

On December 2020, they graduated the first generation of weavers. This called for a small celebration, as a thank the parents for their trust and to congratulate each of the students for their dedication and commitment.

Milly says the best part of this celebration was seeing a mother of one of the boys with tears in her eyes and filled with gratitude. The women of Chokojol Juyú were giving the children the opportunity of learning an art that the children couldn’t have access to within their households.

This 2021 Chokojol Juyú has a new generation of 22 students between the 8 and 12 years old. In order for this new group to graduate, Milly and her sisters are looking for funds to buy materials and hire more instructors. They hope to hire abuelas (grandmas), often overlooked and who struggle in finding other work opportunities. But most importantly, because abuelas are the true guardians of their traditions, and those who can teach others with patience and love.

Milly, Wendy, and Rosalinda continue to define their challenges and priorities. Investing in equipment, materials, and amenities for their space and safety is essential. The way I see it, is that this could be a great opportunity for all of us to be part of Chokojol Juyú, and help them to keep growing and help them to become 100% sustainable.

How can we help? Follow them on social media and share it with your friends and loved ones. Let’s spread the word and help Chokojol Juyú stay alive, and become stronger!

Support this fantastic project by booking a weaving workshop with them in your visit to Antigua Guatemala.