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!
The Otavalo Artisans
Otavalo, Ecuador
Handcrafted cultural products are the main source of income for our artisan partners from Otavalo.
Unfortunately, due to the high price of the USD and this being the currency in Ecuador, tourism and tourist buyers have decreased dramatically.
Artisans have been forced to work in other industries, leaving behind the traditional crafts and putting at risk Indigenous ancestral techniques that need to be passed onto future generations.
Materials:
Remnants of manufactured fabric
Natural and non woollen fibres
Products:
Children's Cardigans, Beanies and Gloves
Folk Art
Cultural Toys
Andean Character Pens
Mini Lamas Keyrings
Rugs
Ethically and Sustainably Sourced:
All of their products are handcrafted into culturally significant products and children's accessories.
Casa Bonita deals directly and respectively with the Artisans and payments are made both on ordering and completion of orders.
All of the Otavalo Artisans products are made exclusively by hand, using textiles and Artisan techniques, eliminating any machine emissions.
The handcrafts that the Otavalo community specialise in, creates advantages for both environmental and sustainable economics.
Interview 2022
Is it a family business? Do you employ other people or do you buy from other artisans?
It is a family business with 5 people.
What technique do you use? Detail the process and tell us what makes these products so unique.
We use knitting machines. Now that we work with a machine it makes it more efficient and allows our business to grow. The rugs are made on looms. Their designs are inspired by the landscapes in Otavalo where there are large hills.
What materials do you use?
Natural and non woollen fibres
Do you impact the community? How?
By giving work. We empower people because they are earning money.
How many people benefit from Casa Bonita's purchases?
10 persons
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