Elias Garcia

Elias Garcia decor accents with Guatemalan worry dolls

Elias Garcia is a very hardworking person. From the age of 14, he began to take interest in getting ahead on his own merit. Today, alongside his sister and wife, he strives to have a better future and be able to provide the best for his four-year-old son.

I was born in 1989 in San Lorenzo el Cubo, the youngest of seven children. I had a wonderful childhood but, at a certain age, one gets to the point where they are interested in having their own money. I began to work at the age of 12. At first I tried masonry, and then carpentry, where I learned on my own. I worked in two different workshops. At the age of 16, I knew everything I needed to know, and I bought my own tools in order to begin. Unfortunately, finding work was hard, so I started my own workshop.

My sister, Aura, was already working with you. She gave me a small push to present my own design. I work alongside my beloved wife, Jackeline, my faithful companion and my best friend who has never left me alone in any challenge that I decided to take on. Together, we began to design mirrors and other things. Little by little, through trial and error, we managed to create other designs, and we presented them to you.

These mirrors are primarily for people to have in their homes so that they can use them to get ready for work and going out. But, we wanted to do it with vibrant and happy colors that would infect the people that had them in their homes. If they had a bad day, are sad, or depressed, this can cheer them up.

We are very fortunate to be able to share our art with so many people. Not only do we want to be known, but we also want the power to provide a bright future for our son as he begins to discover life. We want to be able to give him everything that we didn't have growing up. Because of this, we put all of our dedication into our work so that our designs will be pleasing to everyone.

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Guatemala City, Guatemala

I was born in 1989 in San Lorenzo el Cubo, the youngest of seven children. I had a wonderful childhood but, at a certain age, one gets to the point where they are interested in having their own money. I began to work at the age of 12. At first I tried masonry, and then carpentry, where I learned on my own. I worked in two different workshops. At the age of 16, I knew everything I needed to know, and I bought my own tools in order to begin. Unfortunately, finding work was hard, so I started my own workshop.

My sister, Aura, was already working with you. She gave me a small push to present my own design. I work alongside my beloved wife, Jackeline, my faithful companion and my best friend who has never left me alone in any challenge that I decided to take on. Together, we began to design mirrors and other things. Little by little, through trial and error, we managed to create other designs, and we presented them to you.

These mirrors are primarily for people to have in their homes so that they can use them to get ready for work and going out. But, we wanted to do it with vibrant and happy colors that would infect the people that had them in their homes. If they had a bad day, are sad, or depressed, this can cheer them up.

We are very fortunate to be able to share our art with so many people. Not only do we want to be known, but we also want the power to provide a bright future for our son as he begins to discover life. We want to be able to give him everything that we didn't have growing up. Because of this, we put all of our dedication into our work so that our designs will be pleasing to everyone.

Central America Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and active volcanoes shelter the vestiges of the Mayan civilization that lives on in the languages and the arts of Central America. You'll discover the weaving traditions recorded on the backstrap looms, the glyphs and geometry that define the jewelry and pottery, and the vibrantly-painted folk art statues and masks among all the unique, handcrafted artisan treasures in our Central America Collection.

Learn More

Maker BadgeYoung Talent

This artist shows a lot of talent or potential and is in their late teens or twenties.

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

17 items