On Friday, during our first meeting in Santiago Zamora we briefly discussed with the cooperative that they need to be strategic about what they make in terms of pricing. As an example, we used a long belt they were weaving (they traditionally use a backstrap loom woven belt/sash to tie their skirts up, which is approximately 6 ft in length.) We suggested that instead of spending weeks weaving one belt, they could, using the same width and technique, make wide bracelets which would more quickly increase their inventory and selection for their buyers.
On Monday when we returned, Meda (one of the group’s most active weavers) very proudly showed us this prototype. They asked us if we liked it and would buy it, and we all placed an order for at least one before leaving. They even allowed us to pick our color palette, so we look forward to seeing the next iteration of this new product. We also have not seen this kind of product during this trip nor in years past, so it seems promising. Let us know if you’d like one and how much you would pay for it!
Yet another example of how motivated this group is demonstrating to be…
One thought on “A new product (already!)”
I’d definitely buy one of these, both to support the women’s collective and the New School project (I’m a student in NSSR)! I’d like to know how long it took them to make one of these, and how much the materials cost to give you a better price estimate. Also, do certain colors cost more in terms of dye or production, and if so, which ones? Seems like comparable items in the fair trade world sell for anywhere between $15 and $50 dollars, from the research I have done so far.