Guatemalan women
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions below
-
Grace & Fire is an ethical fashion brand creating handcrafted leather handbags and artisan accessories in partnership with women weavers and skilled leather artisans in Guatemala. Every purchase directly supports dignified work opportunities, cultural preservation, and economic mobility for mothers in rural communities. We believe what you carry matters. Every bag tells a story of craftsmanship, resilience, and human connection.
-
Each weaving is created by hand by Mother weavers in rural villages. The weavings we purchase from the weavers takes about a month to make with an original size of about 6 feet in length. The leather bags are assembled in small batches by skilled artisans hands using premium materials and traditional craftsmanship techniques. Every bag is made by skilled hands providing dignified work in Guatemala.
-
Yes, we pay over fair wage to provide a living wage for the women weavers of Casa Tabito as well as the leather craftsmen in our workshop. The women weavers in our program are our priority. They receive living wages for their weavings along with benefits through our partnership with Casa Tabito. Starting this fall, the weavers will have financial training, family medical insurance, and as always a safe place to gather together. All mothers of Casa Tabito before working with Grace & Fire have clean water, a clean air stove, and a safe home to work from.
-
The Women Weavers in our program are Mothers of Casa Tabito. These are some of the most vulnerable in Guatemalan Highlands and Villages who have faced unfathomable realities. These are women who have learned the skill of weaving through generations. We are proud to celebrate their skill and preserve their culture.
-
Every purchase directly contributes to: - Living wages for artisans - Sustainable work opportunities - Traditional weaving preservation - Materials and loom support - Community development efforts - Ethical small-batch production Your purchase helps create dignified economic opportunities for women while preserving generations of Guatemalan textile artistry.
-
Yes, we pay over fair wage to provide a living wage for the women weavers of Casa Tabito as well as the leather craftsmen in our workshop. The women weavers in our program are our priority. They receive living wages for their weavings along with benefits through our partnership with Casa Tabito. Starting this fall, the weavers will have financial training, family medical insurance, and as always a safe place to gather together. All mothers of Casa Tabito before working with Grace & Fire have clean water, a clean air stove, and a safe home to work from.
-
Ethical handmade bags reflect the true cost of craftsmanship, quality materials, and fair labor. Each Grace & Fire piece includes: - Hours or days of hand weaving - Premium full-grain leather - Handmade construction - Ethical artisan wages - Small-batch production - International logistics and sourcing - Quality control and finishing Fast fashion often reduces costs through mass production and underpaid labor. We intentionally choose a slower and more ethical approach.
-
Many of our artisan handbags feature one-of-a-kind handwoven textiles, making each piece unique. Because every weaving is handmade, slight variations in color, texture, and pattern are part of the beauty and authenticity of artisan craftsmanship.
-
We use premium full-grain leather, artisan handwoven textiles, and carefully sourced materials from Guatemala. Many of our leather products use vegetable-tanned leather, which develops beautiful character and patina over time.
-
Vegetable-tanned leather is created using natural tannins from bark, leaves, and plants rather than heavy chemical processes. This type of leather: - Ages beautifully over time - Develops natural patina - Is considered a more traditional leather-making method - Showcases authentic character and variation - Natural markings and tonal differences are part of the leather’s beauty.
-
To care for your handmade leather bag: Store in a cool, dry place Avoid prolonged moisture exposure Keep out of direct sunlight for extended periods Use a soft dry cloth for cleaning Apply leather conditioner occasionally if desired Because our leather is natural, slight scratches and markings may appear and often blend beautifully into the leather over time.
-
Yes. In our collective membership, members are able to customize bags with weavings we have in the workshop. Select Grace & Fire styles may be customized depending on available artisan weavings and production capacity. Custom orders may include: - Choice of weaving - Leather color options - Strap selections - Limited design modifications Please contact us through our website for current customization availability and timelines.
-
Because many of our products are handcrafted in small batches, shipping times can vary depending on inventory availability and production schedules. Ready-to-ship items typically ship within several business days. Custom or made-to-order pieces may require additional production time.
-
Slow fashion is an approach to clothing and accessories that prioritizes quality, ethical production, sustainability, and intentional purchasing over mass production and fast-changing trends. Grace & Fire embraces slow fashion through: - Small-batch production - Handmade craftsmanship - Ethical sourcing - Long-lasting quality - Artisan-centered partnerships
-
We are committed to building more sustainable and ethical systems through: - Small-batch production - Reduced overproduction - Handmade artisan craftsmanship - Long-term artisan partnerships - Durable materials designed to last - Cultural preservation through traditional weaving - While no business is perfect, we strive to make thoughtful decisions that prioritize both people and responsible production.
-
Handmade artisan products preserve cultural traditions, create meaningful employment opportunities, and encourage consumers to value craftsmanship over disposable consumption. When you purchase handcrafted artisan goods, you help support real people, real families, and generations of creative heritage.
-
Some styles may return, but because many weavings are one of a kind or produced in small batches, exact duplicates are often unavailable. We recommend joining our email list to receive updates on: -New artisan drops -Restocks -Limited collections -Behind-the-scenes stories -Upcoming releases
-
We partner with artisan workshops in Guatemala that prioritize fair pay, safe working conditions, respectful relationships, and high-quality craftsmanship. Our products are made in small batches using ethically sourced materials and traditional artisan techniques, with a strong focus on dignity, transparency, and long-term sustainability over mass production.
-
Each piece in our collection is handwoven with care by the artisan women of Grace & Fire, and small variations in color, texture, and weave are part of what makes every item one of a kind. We want you to love what you receive. If something isn't quite right, please reach out within 14 days of delivery. Unused items in their original condition may be returned for a refund or exchange, with return shipping covered by the customer. Sale items and custom orders are final sale. Every purchase directly supports fair and living wages, health benefits, and a sustainable future for the mothers behind these pieces — thank you for being part of their story.
-
You can stay connected through: - Our email newsletter - Hot Off The Loom - Instagram and Facebook - Blog stories and artisan updates - Product launches and behind-the-scenes content We love building community with women who care about ethical fashion, meaningful impact, artisan craftsmanship, and purposeful living.
Read More
Continue exploring relevant articles
