Hit the Ground Running

How many indigenous women cooperatives in the world are making products for Bloomingdale’s? Very few, if at any at all.

Here at Mercado Global the word “impossible” does not exist. All of us on the team think big and see that our visions come to fruition. As a result, we have been able to penetrate a market saturated with socially irresponsible labor conditions and bring fair trade, fashion forward products into the mainstream.

(From Left) Marcela Quisquiná, Petrona Chiroy Yaxón, and Emilia Raxtin, from the cooperative Artesanas Mayas, creating designs for Bloomie’s Trunk Show

As the Director of Production, it is my job to ensure that the visions of the designer, who is in NYC, are translated to our partner artisans, who are in the rural highlands of Guatemala. Thus, I am a facilitator, a link, and a mediator of the meeting of two different worlds.

The production of our collection for the Bloomie’s Trunk Show (taking place at Bloomingdale’s, 59^th St., NYC on October 29 – November 1) was also my first task as I transitioned my position from the US to Guatemala. There were many challenges, but the results of our labors reflect the beauty of what we do here and the beauty I found in my experience of linking two worlds.

(From Left) Estela Quisquiná, Petrona Chiroy Yaxón, Rosario Mendoza, and me, exploring ways to finish multi-strand necklaces on my Mac

My job starts with a morning call with the designer and sales team to review the products that were made the day before. After my call the artisans arrive and I outline what we are doing and why. I want the women to understand what Bloomingdale’s is and to feel connected to the products they are making.

I love that my job is more than just overseeing production. Every day, whether I am in the storage closet in the office, outside working with the artisans, or on the phone with our designer, I find inspiration. This inspiration is a product of the true essence of partnership. Moving forward, I am eager to foster new partnerships with the talented artisans across Guatemala’s beautiful highlands.

Come see the results of this partnership at the Bloomie’s Trunk Show, going on from October 29 – November 1 at Bloomingdale’s on 59^th street in New York City.