A chance encounter on the street with one of the local indigenous artisans led Alyssa McGarry to create Hiptipico, an ethical fashion brand that empowers Mayan women and their families. “What is most powerful about the beauty of the Mayan textiles is that the female artisan is intimately engaged in every moment of the weaving process,” McGarry says. “That is what makes each weaving so incredible and unique. No two pieces are the same and one can see and feel the passion and dedication behind each embroidery pattern and color selection.” Founded in 2012, Hiptipico works to create sustainable avenues for local artisans to sell handmade items to larger markets across the globe while honoring the Mayan culture. The socially conscious brand works with individual artists as well as female cooperatives. The name Hiptipico comes from the Spanish word “tipico” and refers to the traditional clothing that indigenous Mayans wear in Guatemala. Hiptipico products LEZI FIIR JSYRH EX 9VFER 3YX½XXIVW *VII 4ISTPI ERH *SVIZIV WXSVIW EW [IPP EW MR WTIGMEPX] FSYXMUYIW EVSYRH XLI [SVPH 8LI GSQTER] TPERW XS I\TERH XS additional outlets in Europe in the coming months, including the United Kingdom’s largest independent fashion retailer, ASOS.com. McGarry, who graduated from Towson University and received her Master’s from Georgetown University, takes a personal approach to the company. She lives full-time in Guatemala and visits the artists regularly, learning about their lives and sponsoring local education initiatives in the local villages. “Living full-time on the ground in Guatemala allows me to maintain truthful, longstanding and personal relationships with our artisan partners,” McGarry says. ±;I GSQQYRMGEXI STIRP] ½RHMRK [E]W XS LEVRIWW XLIMV EFMPMXMIW XEPIRXW ERH GYPXYVI XS LIPT XLIQ IWGETI TSZIVX] F] YXMPM^MRK XLI WXVIRKXLW XLI] EPVIEH] LEZI Our artisan partners are not just vendors or a business venture; they are my extended family.”
Hiptipico www.Hiptipico.com info@hiptipico.com Panajachel, Guatemala
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