About
OVERVIEW
Founder's story
Moonflower Enterprises was created many years ago in Guatemala, while sitting around an open hearth fire, on a petate (reed mat), listening to a Mayan family share their experiences and struggles to survive, amidst widespread violence and chaos. Along with the language and other deep-rooted Mayan traditions, one of the cornerstones of Mayan culture that continues to be consistently practiced despite numerous invasions, disease, cycles of social displacement and even genocide, is the Weaving. After hearing many stories and working among the Maya, I was motivated into action through the unequivocal irony of the incredible beauty, amazing skills and profound humility of Mayan artisans who produced extraordinary weavings, textiles and crafts, juxtaposed against the harsh reality of abject poverty and extremely difficult social and political conditions. So now we dedicate our lives to marketing fair trade crafts, providing income that improves lives and social conditions of Mayan artisan families.
Our mission
Moonflower Enterprises is a socially responsible, for-profit enterprise whose mission is to promote Mayan products including traditional weavings, handmade crafts, folk art and organic coffee. Moonflower Enterprises was established after many years of living and learning among Mayans in Guatemala. The purpose was to create a means by which Mayan natives could continue practicing their traditional customs while further consolidating their village based economies.
Our philosophy
Moonflower Enterprises' core business values are based on honesty, respect, fairness and equality, which enhances our long term relationships with Mayan artisans.
The types of products we sell
Fair Trade: weavings, folk art, accessories, musical instruments, fine art, home furnishings, clothing, textiles, gifts, books, CD's, DVD's and organic coffee
Where the producers live and work
We work exclusively with Mayan farmers and artisans who live in various ethnic regions of Guatemala, Central America
Projects we support
We support rural development, cultural, educational and spiritual projects.
How we select what we sell
The products we select are based on a combination of customer demands and artisan's production capacity, creativity and need.
What makes us unique
We are of Mayan descent and therefore our actions and experiences are based on deep rooted culture and traditions!
More information about us
Moonflower Enterprises is a family owned and operated business currently based in Spokane, WA. We have a long standing relationships with Mayan farmers and artisans of Guatemala. I lived and worked among the Maya for 16 years before moving back to the States. My wife, Maria is a Maya Kakchiquel and weaver who grew up in Solola, located in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands. We work together to support Mayan families improve their economic conditions while maintaing their traditions.
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