At the very heart of any fair trade or hand made business are the people. In the case of Mayamam Weavers, it is the women. Women who are mothers, daughters, sisters and friends, in addition to being talented artisans. Today we would like to introduce you to Brenda who is one of the seamstresses and has been with Mayamam Weavers for  the past 3 years. 

Before Brenda joined the cooperative in 2021, she had studied accounting and worked for 2 years as an accountant. Once she got married to her husband Josias, she stopped working and had her daughter, Yuritzi. As Yuritzi was turning 2, Brenda joined her husband working at the internet center. Unfortunately as the pandemic arrived, the internet center closed and Brenda was left without work. After a while, she heard of an opening in the weaving cooperative as a seamstress and thought she’d take a leap of faith and try something completely new. 

Fast forward three years, after training and experience, Brenda is not only an excellent seamstress but she is also the coordinator for the seamstresses. She is a hard worker that doesn’t shy away from taking on new challenges. Brenda says she likes what she’s learned and has slowly built up her confidence, even enough to create new designs. Brenda loves being part of a group and enjoys not only the support they give each other but the laughs too. Getting to catch up while you work can certainly make the day go faster. 

Brenda and her family are grateful for the opportunities that come out of Grupo Cajolá which is the community based organization that Mayamam Weavers is a part of. Josias is now the coordinator full time and is able to study auditing with a scholarship through the organization. Yuritzi, now 7, was able to attend two years at the preschool at no cost. Brenda values her daughter's education and appreciates those two years that the teachers helped to develop her curiosity and zest for learning.  

Next time you are admiring the quality of one of Mayamam Weavers' products, remember Brenda and her colleagues whose talent and care goes into each one of those products -- and whose daily lives are improved for having the opportunity to use their skills to earn a living. 

If you're interested in "meeting" other artisans from the cooperative, head to the blog where you can meet Sonia, Elda or Maria.