Mercado Global is a women's accessories brand that highlights the refined craftsmanship of heritage Mayan loom weaving. Every piece is handwoven by indigenous women artisans in the highlands of Guatemala. Mercado Global's artisans are able to earn three times their former daily income with the co-operative.
Each purchase goes directly towards artisan communities, helping mothers send their kids to school. Making all the bags by hand on average, most Mercado Global handbags take about 2-4 hours to weave and 2-4 hours to sew. Mercado Global's mission is to empower indigenous women to break the cycle of poverty by connecting them to international markets, fostering sustainable livelihoods and pioneering a socially responsible business model within the fashion industry. Since Mercado Global has formed, 99% of all the artisans' children are now enrolled in school, 64% of the artisans have their own personal bank accounts, 73% of the artisans have access to the food and nutrition they need and 84% of the artisans are in a leadership position despite the inequality faced in a male dominated society.
