Yabal Means Hope


Yabal means "hope" in the K'iche Mayan language.  Read more to see how your purchase translates into hope:

In October of 2005, Hurricane Stan pummeled the pacific lowland coast of Guatemala causing devastating winds, flooding and landslides.  Through pouring rain and horrific conditions, members of these communities walked high into the mountain highlands of Guatemala, ascending almost 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). With little choice, they relocated to an area near Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan nicknamed ``Little Alaska``, one of the coldest and highest areas of Guatemala.

The communities had to leave behind their material possessions and the fertile farmlands that had offered food and livelihood. Previously, the communities had survived on coffee, banana, and subsistence farming in their coastal homes. However, in their new home, growing crops was much more difficult due to the arid soil and lack of water. These communities were forced to find new income sources to survive.

Out of this economic need, Yabal started the fair trade women's weaving project and collaborated with the women in the communities to create the Yabal accessories brand, a sustainable fashion enterprise to sell their handmade textiles both locally and abroad- with the goal to reinvest profits into social programs in their communities.

 So each time you buy a Yabal product, know that you provide our women with a livelihood, with economic independence and confidence, and give hope where there was none!