Elevating Artisan Entrepreneurs in Guatemala
/During Women’s History Month, we are highlighting stories of artisan innovators and inspirational female leaders. As we celebrate these global go-getters, you’ll see their determination to build businesses and offer meaningful ways to empower women. We hope these stories inspire you to take your next bold step. (Note: We are not sponsored by or affiliated with any of these organizations or businesses.)
This month, we’re also excited to offer our limited-edition Strong & Sassy Gift Box to help you celebrate the accomplished women in your life. (Today’s the last day to order, 3/31/22)
In 2002, Ruth Alvarez-DeGolia took a trip to Latin America as a student volunteer. Her goal was to teach rural artisan women the skills to create retail websites, apply for funds, and access business resources. It was an experience that changed her life.
Upon her return to Yale, Alvarez-DeGolia began selling handmade Guatemalan bags on campus. She made $5000 her first weekend, enough to send 26 girls to school for a year. What started as a college side passion soon evolved into a larger social enterprise. Alvarez-DeGolia launched Mercado Global in 2004 with $100,000 from the Yale student business plan competition and funds from early-stage investor, Echoing Green.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Mercado Global’s mission is to match artisan women with international retail brands (Think: Levi’s, Target, Nordstrom, to name a few) and create sustainable women-owned businesses. Under Alvarez-DeGolia’s leadership, Mercado Global focuses on three areas: They teach advanced sewing skills to help women attract a premium price for their products. Workshops provide education on personal finance, women's health, and childhood nutrition. The third area of emphasis is asset development, a matching funds program that aims to assist women entrepreneurs in buying floor looms and sewing machines to create a more substantial, viable business.
Mercado Global has become an accessories brand and nonprofit with approximately 25 employees and revenues exceeding $1 million. From its humble beginnings working with three artisan women groups, the organization is now engaged with 750 artisan women. Their data shows that the women in their network have seen significant increases in financial resources, leadership skills, and children’s access to education and food.
Alvarez-DeGolia isn’t done yet, she continues to move her mission forward. Based on her success in Latin America, she is now working with the current Administration to host delegations and be a voice for the broader migrant community.