Meet the Artisans
The word 'Artisan' in Colombia represents highly skilled craftspeople who have learned their skills and techniques, from their own family, in their own home.
Most artisans have had little education yet they proudly operate their own traditional businesses.
As their businesses are their main source of income to support their families, they work tirelessly to overcome many obstacles to achieve their dreams of being valued and economically independent.
Casa Bonita’s purpose is to:
- respect and work with the Artisans traditional business model
- economically empower Artisans and Indigenous women and their businesses
- encourage creativity of each Artisan’s skills through collaborations in designing and curating our exclusive one-of-a-kind collections
- assist in preserving the Artisans traditional techniques, so they impart to future generations
- teach the Artisans export procedures and to share our alliances and supply chain
Casa Bonita is committed to connecting our customers with each Artisan; their products, culture, traditions, families and dreams!
Supporting Casa Bonita gives YOU:
- Power to positively impact the lives of 100’s of Indigenous communities
- Peace of Mind that artisans are paid a fair price for their products
- Insight into their culture and businesses, enabling longevity of their traditions
- Knowledge that all products are ethical, sustainable and cruelty free
- Good Karma for supporting women both in South America and Australia …and a colourful, unique and authentic shopping experience!
Betancourt-Garcia Family
La Chamba, Colombia
Ethically and Sustainably Sourced:
In the heart of La Chamba, the Betancourt family is an exceptional example of unity and artisanal excellence. Their mastery of clay artisanship is so profound that they are the sole artisans in their municipality who directly export their products to countries such as France, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, England, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada.
Clay runs through their veins, and their joyful childhood memories are filled with the sight of plates, jars, and pots. Work was a constant presence in their household, whether they were creating artisanal pieces or selling them. Today, the family has specialized roles: Astrid manages the business, her sisters Liliana, Digela, and Jazmín handle design and finishing, her husband and brothers-in-law, Pedro, Rodrigo, and Jaime, manage packing and packaging, and her brother-in-law Jaime oversees the ovens. They were pioneers in using eco-friendly techniques and generously shared their knowledge with the community.
Their journey began, 80 years ago with their grandparents selling their products in various markets along the banks of the Magdalena River. Over the years, the family expanded their destinations, all regions in Colombia.
Our talented Artisan partners have produced remarkable product quality than others found in the market, because they made an analysis of all the processes and corrected all the impasses that could damage the product during its production: protect the clay from rain, avoid scratches when removing the products from the oven, and they make iron molds to try to ensure that the products have the same weight and size
Materials:
Black Clay
Products:
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Arepera Platter
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Cooking Pot
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Dip Bowls and Serving Spoons
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Guacamole Bowl with Spoon and Gravy Bowl with Lid
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Hot Chocolate and Soup Bowl
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Hot Chocolate Jug
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Roasting Pans
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Sauté Pans
Handcrafted La Chamba Black Clay Tagine
Social Impact:
- provides financial security to Artisans and Indigenous tribes and their families
- empowers women’s economic independence
- evokes self value and quality of life for the Artisans
- creates legitimate employment opportunities for their communities
- supports environmentally friendly business practices
- encourages creativity, and a sense of personal and group pride
- acknowledges cultural identity and traditions
- preserves and shares Ancestral and Indigenous techniques for future generations