Etkie Has Excavated Traditional Handicrafts In Mexico.

Dru is the chief designer of Etkie, who grew up in the poorest reservations of New Mexico. At the age of 15, she learned the traditional beading process that her mother taught her. Beads are traditionally a traditional handicraft of the prairie Indians (PlainsIndian), but other tribes in the southwest have learned this skill, so that women can supplement their families when necessary. In 2012, Dru's sister Lil met Alfonso in the grand square of Albuquerque (Albuquerque), where many local artists sold their products to tourists. Alfonso was attracted by Lil's works, and Alfonso offered to collaborate with her in designing several bracelets. Soon after, Alfonso began selling these bracelets at the guerrilla private exhibition in the United States. They soon sold out. As demand increases, two people realize that they need to add an artist. So Dru joined in.

Etkie, the founder of SydneyAlfonso, was born and raised in the rural area of New Mexico. When she was very young, she noticed that the mainstream fashion companies made a lot of money by using traditional patterns, but they did not repay the indigenous tribes that inspired them. Aware of the lack of a cohesive brand that can directly bring benefits to indigenous women in New Mexico, Alfonso Etkie was founded last year. "Basically, we are like Etsy, a website that sells chicken blood." Alfonso said, "we provide centralized design support, brand promotion, cooperation companies and markets to help our artisans promote their popularity, which in turn can make them more focused on their own skills." Many Native Americans Handicraftsman They want to set up their own small jewellery shops, but they have no money to buy the high-end materials they need, and Etkie helps these women.

At that time, Dru was homeless. Apart from artistic talent, she could not find a job to make use of her unique skills. And she is not alone - there are many women in her place who earn their living by their craft. But because of the small funding of Alfonso, plus a non-profit coordinating body. Kiva With interest free loans, she can finally buy Beaded materials and sell her products. "We've put several different but valuable skills on the table," Alfonso said in collaboration with Dru. "I think that's the final definition of a public service company. Our business can't survive without customers. In order to succeed, we must depend on each other. "

Etkie is currently working with three native American artists such as Dru, but Alfonso hopes to cooperate with more people. "There are a lot of women who are proficient in technology in New Mexico who are interested in this," she said. "Our aim is to help these women and help them retain their traditions by gaining a larger market." This goal is now much easier to achieve with the Etkie's recent crowd raising activities on Indiegogo. "We want to raise $20000 so that we can start working with five new female artists," Alfonso said. "This is not just about bracelets, it's helping women improve themselves."