Our Mission
Textile Classes
Textile classes in Chichicastenango allow artisans to gain new skills, make business connections, and acquire free materials to start (or expand) their businesses.
Our Shop
We directly support the artisans that are a part of our shop to gain a living wage in order to help the people of Chichicastenango rise from poverty.
Emergency Aide
We provide emergency services such as food baskets, clothing, home repairs, and more, to those in the community near chichicastenango, Guatemala.
Our Story
Around 40% of Guatemalans are indigenous and around 75% of indigenous Guatemalans live in poverty. Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world and that is due to poverty. In rural areas such as the area we are located, rates of poverty and subsequent malnutrition are much higher than more urban areas. We plan to be a positive and vibrant, indigenous owned and operated, trauma informed, diversity positive, organization in this town.
Meet the Founders
Manuel Eduardo Tecun Morales
Co-Founder, Ixiim Uleew
Manuel Eduardo Tecun Morales is the son of Manuel Tecun Iwit and Josefa Morales Sui. He grew up in a Maya Quiche family, identifying with the Quiche indigenous Mayan group which has its own language, foods, traditions, culture, and historical identity. Manuel has been the first in his family to go to college and has graduated with two university degrees from La Universidad de San Carlos in Guatemala. Manuel has been inspired from his own personal experience with poverty and his family's long history of working with textiles. He aims to combine his love for Guatemalan textiles and culture with his desire to help people rise from poverty.
Gabriela Alma Burkey
Co-Founder, Ixiim Uleew
Gabriela Alma Burkey has always been interested in Hispanic culture because of her father Christopher who is half Chilean. She traveled to Panajachel, Guatemala in 2016 to complete an internship as part of her Social Work Degree from Warren Wilson College. There she met Manuel and they were married in 2018 and have two children, Matias and Emma. She is excited to use her social work background and her passion for Hispanic culture, children, and art to help people rise from poverty.
