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On Thursday, December 10, at Casa Santamaría, a design store that brings together different brands and artists from Bogotá, the presentation of the collection of handicrafts “Weaving Dreams” was held, the result of the work that two groups of indigenous women entrepreneurs of the Wayuu and Pastos ethnic group, who decided to transform themselves technologically to make their ventures into sustainable initiatives.
As part of the process of strengthening and accompanying these ventures, the PepsiCo Colombia Foundation and the ACDI/VOCA LA Foundation, together with the USAID and ACDI/VOCA Alliances for Reconciliation Program, provided these groups of women with virtual and face-to-face training, mentoring and technical assistance focused on four components: empowerment of artisan women, organization for production, appropriation of information and communication technologies; and productive chains and commercial alliances.
Despite the pandemic, by implementing the corresponding biosafety protocols and through technological tools and multimedia content, the ACDI/VOCA LA Foundation managed to consolidate a training plan for entrepreneurship together with these communities, carry out practical co-creation exercises and design to apply innovations in fabrics, training in the use of social networks and commercial product photography and developing the DecidoSer program, a methodology for social change that promotes self-recognition, self-care and achievement orientation.
As part of the presentation event, a business conference was held in which Iris Aguilar and Blanca Tarapués, master craftswomen and project leaders, met in person and virtually, with designers from the city, interested in applying these fabrics to fashion objects. and jewellery, as well as including their products in their portfolio. Also, a conversation was held, which was broadcast on Instagram Live, where both leaders shared their experiences and expectations with Santiago Páez, Founder of Casa Santamaría, Tatiana Feged, Manager of Plastics & Sustainability at PepsiCo and Elisa Luque, Founder of Alelí Home Decor.
“With Tejiendo Sueños we materialize our interest in empowering women and generating chains that generate new economic income for them. We believe that as a team we can leave sustainable projects that improve the quality of life of women, families and that rescue our traditions” says Tatiana Feged, Plastics & Sustainability Manager PepsiCo LatAm.
The product catalogue of the Tejiendo Sueños Tejiendo Sueños collection decoration with fabrics such as blankets and cushions, and personal accessories such as bags and pencil cases, is You can consult the Instagram accounts @somoschavialas and @wayaamakuu.
