Our Mission

Our Mission

Trama Textiles advances economic empowerment, educational opportunity, and cultural preservation for Indigenous Maya women in Guatemala. We generate sustainable livelihoods through fair-trade sales of backstrap-woven textiles, ensuring artisans receive dignified compensation for their craftsmanship.

Our community-centered model welcomes researchers, interns, volunteers, and global partners as collaborators in long-term development. Through ethical retail channels and strategic wholesale alliances, we expand market access that secures ongoing work for our weavers and strengthens the social fabric of their families and communities. Our commitment is to cultivate intergenerational impact—empowering today’s artisans while opening brighter, more equitable opportunities for their children.

Not-For-Profit 

Trama Textiles is a not-for-profit co-operative, meaning our primary purpose to provide benefits to our members, their families, and wider communities, rather than to generate profits. Any profits generated are either reinvested into the co-operative, allocated to other community projects such as the Almaya Fund, or distributed amongst our members. 

Our Vision

We aim to see Indigenous Maya women succeed in every sense, creating a world where their families are educated, their craftsmanship is valued, and their traditions are preserved.

Through slow fashion and fair trade, we want to ensure their weaving skills continue to inspire and empower future generations. We believe in a future where sustainable fashion celebrates culture, supports communities, and creates lasting impact.

Our goal is to build a global community that honors the art of backstrap weaving while promoting social and environmental responsibility, alongside the preservation of Mayan tradition.

 

Our Core Values 

From our mission and vision to our day-to-day operations, our core values guide everything we do here at Trama Textiles.  

1. Empowerment

We believe in women’s autonomy through dignified, paid work and leadership roles within their communities.

2. Cultural Pride

We honor indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship, ensuring the stories and symbols in every weave continue to live on.

3. Solidarity

We work as a family:  Program Coordinator, volunteers, weavers, and supporters connected through shared purpose and mutual respect.

4. Respect for the Earth

We promote sustainability through handmade, low-impact processes and conscious consumption.

5. Connection

We create meaningful experiences; whether in our store, weaving school, or online that foster global understanding.