A journey of resilience- an interview with Anita Cortez
A few days ago we interviewed Anita Cortez, artisan and
founder of Atitlan Women Weavers Cooperative, our artisan partner from
Guatemala. Anita is Mayan and was born and raised in San Pedro de la Laguna-
Lake Atitlan. In 2014, she founded a cooperative of women artisans to help
preserve traditional crafts as well as to provide a new source of income for women in her community. She
started the cooperative with only 5 women and in the past 4 years it has grown
to a team of 25 women, the majority of whom are single mothers. Anita supports
her family working at the cooperative and as a part-time tour guide. She
also runs a business offering cooking classes for tourists.
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| Anita Cortez- artisan and entrepreneur |
We asked Anita to share her story and her advice to young women interested in starting their own businesses.
TWC: What inspired you to create your cooperative?
Anita: The project was inspired by my own personal situation
as a single mother, this situation led me to search for opportunities to help
support my family. I am where I am now thanks to taking the chance on these
opportunities and I’m now happy to pay it forward to help other women in my
community
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| Artisan/ member of the cooperative |
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TWC: How are your products a reflection of your culture?
Anita: Our culture is everywhere, it’s in our blood and it
is reflected in all of our products. As Mayans we show appreciation to God for
our lives, every single detail in our products has a unique story and this
makes our work even more special around the world. For example, the natural
dyes we use in our products represent and honor Mother Nature.
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| Natural dyes used for products |
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| Natural dyes used for products |
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| Cotton scarf made by artisans from the cooperative |
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| Hand-embroidered leather clutch made by artisans from the cooperative |
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TWC: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your
journey as an entrepreneur?
Anita: As far as challenges, I would say “machismo” is one
of the biggest ones. We are discriminated against for being indigenous women.
We are not given the same opportunities to thrive and if we do, we have to face
many obstacles to succeed.
TWC: What is your advice for younger women?
Anita: My advice to women is to keep dreaming, work
hard to realize your dreams, don’t let them be just dreams. Let’s search for opportunities together, knock on
doors, even if they say no, we have to be persistent, I can assure you that
with a good attitude we can go far. Let’s keep dreaming big!
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| Artisan/ member of the cooperative |
TWC: Why is it important to preserve traditions?
Anita: I’m interested in preserving my traditions because
they remind me of where I’m from. They represent my blood and where I was born.
You can shop products from Anita's cooperative on our website at www.theworldscorner.com
If you are planning a visit to Lake Atitlan, make sure to check out Anita's cooking classes and tours https://www.mayankitchencookingclass.com/
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