At Grace & Fire, we believe that fashion is more than a product — it’s a story, a livelihood, and a legacy. What began as a simple dream to support artisans around the world has grown into a vibrant movement rooted in Guatemala, where women’s hands and hearts are shaping not only beautiful bags but also brighter futures.

From a Dream to a Collective

What started as a vision has blossomed into a weaving collective in rural Guatemala. Here, mothers — all of whom have been served through our partner clinic, Casa Tabito — are finding opportunities to work with dignity while staying at home with their children. These women already hold generations of knowledge in their hands, passed down through weaving traditions that preserve their cultural identity.

Instead of having to leave their families to seek unstable or unsafe work, they now have the tools, materials, and fair wages to weave from home. This allows them to provide for their children while protecting and celebrating their heritage.

Why This Matters

Too often, mothers in rural Guatemala face a heartbreaking realities: In the rural villages there are not any job opportunities and to travel to the city is to claim wages enough to cover bus fair and not much more, wages are low, and exploitation is common. By creating safe, fair, and reliable work, Grace & Fire is changing that narrative.

• Fair wages: Each artisan is paid above market value for her weaving. We make sure of that because we are buying the thread and tools but allowing the women to choose where and who they sell their weavings to. Currently we know of a collective that is paying a quarter of what we are paying the women. We want to pay more while also wanting to include more women in the collective, we have to balance and plan but also want to make sure that the women who are working with us are receiving fair wages.  

• Tools & materials: Looms, thread, and other resources are provided so women can succeed without financial strain. We pay the women a starting price to get what they need to begin and will continue to support the women in this way. 

• Flexibility: There are no pressured deadlines; artisans can work at a pace that fits their families. If the women weavers want to make one weaving or three a month, we are willing to accommodate. If they aren't able to make one, there is no penalty or expectation. We want to create opportunities, not stress.  

• Community: Work is done collectively, but decisions remain in the women’s hands — building trust, empowerment, and independence. Currently, we are honored that Casa Tabito is managing the process and communication between the women weavers but ultimately, we would love to see a leadership roll from within the weavers come to light. At that point, we would be grateful to have this collective grow and collaborate for years to come. 

Beyond the Collective

Our weaving collective is at its starting line. Every Grace & Fire bag is the result of collaboration: handwoven textiles crafted by women in the villages, paired with high-quality leatherwork workshop owned by Americans partnering and creating fair wage jobs skilled artisans in Antigua. The partnerships for this project reflect a high expectation quality along with cultural preservation. The perfect combinations! 

And when you carry a Grace & Fire bag, you’re not just carrying something beautiful — you’re carrying the legacy of a mother, the tradition of a people, and the hope of a community.

The Road Ahead

We are still at the beginning of this journey. Every loom repaired, every thread purchased, every bag created is a step toward sustainable independence for women who deserve not only survival but thriving.

The truth is simple: when women are empowered, families flourish. And when families flourish, communities are transformed.

At Grace & Fire, we are here for the long journey. To honor culture. To empower women. To create beauty with purpose.

✨ Join Us
Whether by purchasing a bag, sharing our story, or supporting our collective, you are part of this movement. Together, we are weaving more than textiles — we are weaving futures.

Becoming a founding member of our new community to support women weavers, check out this information and send us an email to tell us how you'd like to get involved. 

Together, these partnerships create one-of-a-kind products that carry the story of resilience, artistry, and dignity. Can't wait to see your new bag! 

💛 Shop the Collection
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