Empowerment of Women  
​          We believe in supporting the Mayan women of Lake Atitlán by providing a sustainable livelihood for work that is compatible with raising and caring for a family.  The women of our cooperative practice their skilled crafts in their own homes, and at their own set pace and daily schedule.  It is not unusual to have mothers, daughters, grandmothers and other extended family members working side-by-side and together on a variety of designs.  Our manager visits the homes to deliver materials and retrieve completed work so our crafters do not have the burden of a commute.

  Accessible and Affordable Education
         When a woman in a developing country is empowered through earning a fair wage, she is more likely to educate herself and see the value of educating her children.  A portion of KVZ Designs’ proceeds benefit Pueblo a Pueblo, a not-for-profit with core programming focused on the literacy and education of women and girls in the T’zutujil community.  More information: puebloapueblo.org/primary-education-scholarships and puebloapueblo.org/pathways-to-literacy

   Creativity Equals Increased Income 
​          Giving a woman in a developing country an artistic outlet creates a sense of identity, purpose, self-respect and thus an opportunity for greater earnings.  KVZ Designs values the input of each beader and weaver, and encourages all to express themselves and their culture through the creation of our jewelry.  As the artisans are customarily paid per piece, they are regularly raising their earning potential by gaining expertise learning new methods and increasingly intricate designs. 

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                    Fair Trade Wages
         KVZ Designs believes in equitable pay for our employees of Latin America. The women and men of the collective can provide for the everyday needs of their families, as well as for organized schooling for their children.  The artisans are encouraged to negotiate their compensation per item/order using the complexity of the design(s) as a guide.  KVZ does not penalize for errors and quietly takes on 100% of any loss. These practices create an opportunity for professional growth and development, resulting in sustainable incomes and the long-term  abatement of poverty.

    Prompt & Consistent Compensation
          We have developed transparent and accountable relationships with the members of our design cooperative. Payment is customarily made 50% in advance, with the remainder paid out prior to shipping.  We provide all tools, supplies and raw materials with no requirement or expectation of a financial investment from our artisans.  These native tradespeople are secure in knowing they will be paid in a fair and timely manner for their work with an opportunity to capture additional skills and income as part of KVZ Designs.  Our longtime manager delivers payment for services in-home so that our families won’t shoulder the cost of travel to retrieve wages. ​

Environmental Sustainability & Respect
          KVZ Designs is an advocate for our fragile environment. We endeavor to not only be a good steward of the natural world, but to impart these values to our Mayan families. KVZ Designs supports Pueblo a Pueblo’s organic gardening, nutrition and water sanitation programs.  The programs' principles and guidelines are taught in school so that the children may take this knowledge home to their parents.  Many of our artisan households now plant vegetable gardens and small fruit orchards to help provide further food security. More information: puebloapueblo.org/organic-school-gardens and puebloapueblo.org/school-nutrition and puebloapueblo.org/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-schools