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For the tribal artisans and their community, the success of the MayaBags
business is vital to sustaining their improved lifestyle. “Caribbean Export
profoundly assisted in driving our company forward,” remarks Arnold. In
particular, she noted that partnership with Caribbean Export has “opened
(her) eyes” and enlightened Arnold on methods towards improving business
strategies. “Attending trade fairs outside of Belize gave us valuable insights
to product creation, resource information, marketing strategies and
capabilities.” Design Caribbean 2011, which Arnold attended through the
assistance of Caribbean Export, was “greatly successful” for MayaBags.
Through the experience they “gained more exposure, knowledge of other
markets and (an understanding of) what competitors are out there.”
At Dominicana Moda, another exhibition facilitated by the export agency.
Arnold expressed that this trade fair too was “significant” to MayaBags’
business development, “it gave us education in doing exports within the EU
(European Union).”
Training with the Barbados-based regional export agency was an opportunity
well embraced by the organization and Arnold confirms that MayaBags
has employed the use of the knowledge acquired, implementing research
methods and providing international customerswith key information on their
products before exporting. “Caribbean Export has given us the opportunity to
see what the competition is really like in other places and ideas on resources
used by others.” Noting as an example that the Agency was able to provide
information regarding the duties imposed by various international markets,
she appreciated that the knowledge allowed the organization to calculate
pricing before hand, a notably valuable asset.
According to Caribbean Export’s Manager of Trade and Export Development,
David Gomez, “helping to equip regional entrepreneurs with useful
information to help them make a better decision is why we have invested so
heavily in a new market intelligence system.”
Relevant case studies were provided in Arnold’s experience with exporting to
Australia and Japan, “getting information on what duties they will incur was
a selling point for us, as our buyers were able to make informed decisions on
price status, product standards, regulations and customs codes in their own
markets before buying.” As a result, export ready capacity for MayaBags has
been reviewed and developed into a more refined plan making success more
attainable when conducting international business.
E-commerce has also influenced the cottage industry organization’s business
model. A website that facilitates ordering merchandise and a presence on
social media conglomerate Facebook have helped to build international
clientele. However, Arnold observed that, “to improve the exports of our
products, what needs to be put in place is tax relief on materials needed for
the production process.” She suggests that this will allow the luxury brand
to be more competitive on the global market with better pricing.
The authenticity of the vibrant, colourful, intricately woven product line of
MayaBags makes it a unique accessory and the line rivals international top
name brands such as Coach and Tory Burch among others. “Our price point,
rare product ancestry and quality, defines our market.”
Since the business was founded, MayaBags has found a highly receptive
market. MayaBags was a main floor line of bags for 9 seasons with all
the flagship stores for Barneys New York and has also been purchased by
England’s Brown’s of London, reaching as far as multiple stores in Japan.
Featured on acclaimed websites including
Vogue.com, the list of accolades
is long for what Rachel
Zoe.comdescribes as “the must have item”. The
line continues to infiltrate the international market and has established an
exclusive contract in Australia for yoga bags.
Arnold promises there is much more in this company’s future. Working
closely with Bergsma who plays an active role in the organization, they
continually expand the product line and find innovative ways to further
enhance the product. MayaBags has launched a line of hand-embroidered
hobos with “the chic US store” Anthropologie, and the executive director
also anticipates the addition of women’s wear accessories such as scarves
and jewellery with crocheted work.
The MayaBag is a truly distinct accessory. It is not merely a bag that elegantly
graces the arm of the sophisticated bearer, it is an assertion of independence,
a declaration of culture, a preservation of livelihood and a bold expression of
luxurious style. “When we look back on the past twelve years of MayaBags,
our history of responsibility and our success makes us want to dance and
celebrate. We’re making a difference in the lives of our artisans and in their
families and in their future.”
ir community, the success of the
o sustaining their improved lifestyle.
assisted in driving our company forward,”
CARIBBEAN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - CREATE
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