Posted by Kristin Granado
on September 07, 2025
Following the Whisper of a Dream
What an incredible honor it has been to follow the breadcrumbs of what started as only a whisper of a dream. If I could give it a word, I’d call this journey serendipitous.
Ten years ago, I felt a strong calling. The words Grace & Fire burned in my heart, though I didn’t know what it was meant for. I bought the domain name, collected photos of volcanoes and people, and began reaching out to friends and colleagues from my past. I knew I was meant to build something.
At that same time, Karlie and Jeff—the founders of Casa Tabito—were breaking ground on the clinic that today has saved hundreds of malnourished babies.
Meanwhile, I was at home with three small children—two toddlers and a newborn—overwhelmed by gratitude and anxiety. Why did my children get to eat as much as they wanted while other babies starved? I felt both helpless and deeply compelled.
Fast forward: In May of 2024 I made my first trip to Guatemala after sharing my interest in leather bags with one person. That one conversation led me to Karlie, who had just ended the Soltera Leather project fundraiser.
I placed my first order and went to see for myself.
There, walking into homes of mothers who had faced unimaginable loss, I saw something profound. I saw resilience, hope, and the fierce determination of mothers who would do anything to save their babies. And in that moment, I knew: THIS PLACE. This is what I was made for. This is Grace & Fire. These women are Grace & Fire. Every step of my life suddenly lined up.
Since that visit, our small team has created a weaving collective—women working from home, earning fair wages, free from pressure but full of opportunity.
✨ Opportunities to feed their babies.
✨ Opportunities to live safely.
✨ Opportunities to step into dignity and grace.
That fire we all carry as women? They hold it fiercely—we’re simply offering a little air to help it burn brighter.
This journey is greater than me, greater than any plan I could have written. And now, we’re just getting started.
If you’d like to support our mission, I invite you to join our community as we launch. Your engagement isn’t just appreciated—it’s vital.