Estrella de Mar was founded in 2012 by Emily Pinto and Julie Savoie. "Each of us had previously visited Guatemala and fallen in love with the extraordinary, traditional textiles and the richness of the Mayan culture. As volunteers in Guatemala (Emily with a textile cooperative, Julie with a health clinic), we each saw firsthand the stark contrast between the beauty of this country and the struggle
of it's people; especially of it's most vulnerable, the indigenous population, women and girls. When we met, we shared a passion for creating a social enterprise that would utilize the traditional skills of artisans in Guatemala and harness the power of the fashion industry to be a force for good. Our Impact
Artisan activity is the second largest employer in the developing world. We believe the immense potential of this sector to create positive change has gone largely untapped, and we want to change that. Our business provides financial empowerment through dignified employment. We chose worker-owned women's weaving cooperatives and small family businesses to be our producers because they share our commitment to ethical, sustainable production practices and high-quality results. We know that empowered women are the key to transforming their communities and ending the generational cycle of poverty. Additionally, we have partnered with local Guatemalan non-profits to increase access to healthcare in rural communities and support education and mentorship for Mayan girls. Our Ethos: Love is the message, Fashion is the Medium
The handmade production process is labor intensive, however it is truly a labor of love. When something is constructed by hand using time-honored methods a little bit of soul goes into it, giving it greater meaning. Our modern designs always incorporate and celebrate traditional textile and craft techniques. In the face of mass production and disposable fashion, we are committed to authentic handmade quality and preserving the artistic traditions that are intrinsic to the Mayan culture. Estrella de Mar handmade goods are a safeguard for this unique and ancient cultural heritage. Follow us on Instagram
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