Vilma

My name is Vilma. I am 42 years old and I am happily married with two wonderful children, Luz and Diego. I strive everyday to move forward and fight for my children’s dreams and also my own. I started working when I was 11 years old, after my dad left us. My first job was as a shoemaker’s assistant. At 13, I started working with my mother, who taught me the craft of sewing. I worked for many years at different stores, but the work was always very poorly paid, which led me to make the decision of starting my own business. Today, I thank Into the Light International for giving me the opportunity to market my products. It will be a blessing for my family and I. A little bit of my life, my time, and my knowledge goes into each product I make. Each item has been prepared with a lot of dedication and love for my craft. It fills me with satisfaction knowing that my product will go beyond the borders of my country. Thanks be to God, for He is the One who opens paths for us.

Uniquely Made by Vilma

Orlando

Orlando, originally from Chiquimula, Guatemala, has spent his life time learning and perfecting the beautiful art you see below. Working as an apprentice under his former predecessor, Orestes Sanches Abascal, Orlando now alone holds the secret to the delicate process. Starting from creating the proper mixer, letting it rest untouched for 8 years, to carefully sculpting and forming these vibrant pieces of jewelry. Orlando’s jewelry truly is uniquely made, crafted with love, patience and care. From caterpillar to butterfly, Orlando’s craft is a testament of transformation, hope and life.

Uniquely Handmade by Orlando

Pedro

My name is Pedro and I live in Guatemala. My job is making leather goods and hupil (bags, backpacks, wallets, purses, etc.) and I started this job without knowing almost anything about it.

Due to a motorcycle accident with my wife in 2016, where I lost part of my left leg, it was difficult to return to the work and studies I had been involved with prior to the accident. However, the most extraordinary thing in the process of this new stage of my life, is that I knew the love and mercy of God. That there is restoration and strength in Him alone and that we are blessed in our home, and with my wife.

Today, I work together with my dad, who has always worked in relation to leather and now, I enjoy what I do. I continue in the process of improving day-by-day and I recognize that the Lord has given me the ability to do this work. I would like to move forward in my business and one day hope to employ people who are like me, whose disabilities make it difficult for them to find a stable job. May the Lord bless those who purchase the tote bags to support the cause of Into The Light International.

Uniquely Handmade by Pedro

Cesar

My name is Cesar Orlando Baeza. I am originally from San Juan del Obispo, Antigua Guatemala. I am a craftsman and my profession is carpentry. I dedicate myself to the elaboration of wood works, such as kitchen cabinets, closet doors, dining rooms, bedrooms, and anything else related to wood. I have 20 years of experience working in this profession and my work has always been to the liking of my clients. My greatest satisfaction is knowing that my client is pleased with my work.

Uniquely Handmade by Cesar

Eden

Eden is dedicated to creating all-natural wellness products using organic ingredients and essential oils. Each Eden product is hand-crafted by, and provides assemble income, to a local entrepreneur with a disability.

Guatemala has few resources for individuals with disabilities, and an estimated 1/3 of Guatemalan households care for a family member with a disability. Many of these adults spend their days alone, without socialization and are discriminated against in the work force.

Through Eden, these entrepreneurs are given a chance. They are able to thrive in their work, earn an income and build confidence in who they are.

Uniquely Handmade by Eden