Where global artisans become contemporary artists.
Each piece on Proud Mary is inspired by the craft expertise, cultural heritage and unique creative vision of our partner artisans. And each piece provides our partner artisans with a new source of passive income.
Here, we share more on their stories
William Marapamele
Basotho Blankets from Lesotho
William Marapamele’s large-scale embroidered Basotho blankets showcase whimsical bold patterns combined with traditional motifs. As both a shepherd and an artist, each of Marapamele’s pieces is a unique expression of his rich imagination and Lesotho’s unique cultural identity.
Porgai Artisans
Lambadi Embroidery from Tamil Nadu, India
Based in the Sittilingi Valley of Tamil Nadu, the artists of Porgai revive the nearly lost tradition of Lambadi embroidery. With a vast stitch vocabulary of over 40 different stitches, their embroidery is done without prior sketching and follows the artist’s instinct around color and composition. Vibrant geometric patterns come together with mirrors and shells to create this fine folk art of Southern India.
Suytik
Backstrap Weaving from Chiapas, Mexico
Suytik is a group of Tsotsil women weavers from San Andrés Larráinzar. It is made up of multiple generations of the López Díaz family, who have learned backstrap weaving since childhood as part of daily life and cultural tradition. Each member contributes her own style and vision, keeping alive a practice that reflects their Tsotsil identity.
Santa Catarina
Backstrap Weaving from Chiapas, Mexico
The Santa Catarina group is made up of Silvia, Julieta, Rebeca, and María Ananí from Pantelhó, Chiapas. Their backstrap weaving practice comes from a deeply rooted family tradition. Silvia learned the craft from her mother Polonia, and has now passed it on to her daughters, turning weaving into an intergenerational practice, a form of expression, and a way to stay connected to their heritage.
Las Dalias
Hand Embroidery from Chiapas, Mexico
Las Dalias is a collective of women embroiderers from Huixtán, Chiapas, formed by Isabel, Elena, Micaela, Sebastiana, and Luci. Their specialty is floral embroidery, crafted with great attention to detail. Over time, they’ve refined their techniques and developed a unique style rooted in the craft heritage of their community.
Colibri
Backstrap Weaving from Chiapas, Mexico
Colibrí is a small artisan group made up of three Tseltal sisters from San Juan Cancuc: Ana, Petrona, and Natalia. They work with the backstrap loom as taught by their elders, but incorporate new ideas, colors, and formats inspired by collective learning spaces. Each piece they make reflects their cultural identity and their growth as young, creative women committed to their community.
