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The women work from home, enabling them to sustain their households
and care for their children while still making a substantial contribution
to the families’ income. “There are fewer women begging in the market
place,” and for Arnold this accomplishment is heartening.
The investment by MayaBags into ensuring these women continue to
sustain their villages exceeds USD $100,000 to date and this does more
than help to send the children to schools and put food on the table;
it has uplifted the Maya woman, raising self-esteem and fostering
independence. “We have made the ladies more involved in our marketing
efforts, such as having a presence at our booth during sales events. This
exposure gives them a world view other than their own culture.”
Arnold,whohasbeenwithMayaBags formore than6years, acknowledges
the change in the women’s demeanour with what can only be referred
to as a sense of reverence. Arnold’s clear pride is shared throughout
the country, Belizeans are aware of the social, cultural and economical
contributions made through MayaBags and appreciate what a great
positive impact this has for Belize regionally and internationally.
Belize has a mostly privatized enterprise economy, relying primarily
on exportation of petroleum and crude oil, agriculture and agro-based
industry. “We have an opportunity that was never before envisioned
for Belizeans, to be designing and producing products marketable on
the international market” says Arnold who credits the company for
establishing a brand for her homeland that has global recognition for
its quality and mission. “Belize is known for agriculture, not luxury,”
but through the successful growth of the first luxury brand for this
Caribbean country, that perception will hopefully change and create an
opportunity for others locally and regionally to follow. Arnold believes
that the benefits of this, in turn will bring more value to Belize and by
extension the region, generating additional jobs and enticing tourism.
The increased knowledge of the Maya community has also had a
remarkable impact within the villages it supports. The brand has
accredited the incredible art form of traditional Maya craft, instilling
renewed pride for their work and encouraging the preservation of these
trades. The method of back-strap loom weaving employed by the Maya
women is indigenous to this group in Belize. Producing the luxury line
has preserved the culture of weaving with the Maya women training
their daughters in the technique ensuring the sustainability of the art
form and organization.
The level of creativity and talent is evident as well in the finish of hand
embroidery items, hand coiled and stitched basketry that also represents
Mayan culture and biodiversity. “We are preserving traditional Maya
craft” a deeply passionate Arnold shares, “and we have made each of
the Maya artisans we work with shareholders in our business.”
For the tribal artisans and th
MayaBags business is vital
“Caribbean Export profoundl