Brand
Hiptipico is an ethical fashion brand based in Panajachel, Guatemala showcasing indigenous Maya artisans and their handmade creations. Every Hiptipico item is thoughtfully handcrafted by local artists, using high-quality sustainable materials.
The name Hiptipico came from the local saying, “tipico,” which describes the traditional clothing worn by the indigenous people here in Guatemala. Incorporating this local context into our name and using it as the basis of our brand reflects our dedication to preserving indigenous culture and creating dignified job opportunities through the promotion of this traditional art form.
We are dedicated to connecting the world directly with indigenous artists through ethical travel, textile sourcing and honest production. Here at Hiptipico, we showcase our own line of artisanal designs for both retail and wholesale, shipping worldwide to you wherever you are! We also offer private label production, textile sourcing and ethical travel opportunities for bloggers, fashion students, boutiques and other brands. If you have any questions or want to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sign up for the waiting list of our next ethical travel opportunity: November 2023
MISSION
Hiptipico’s mission is to create a sustainable avenue for quality artisan products to reach the global fashion marketplace. Our goal is to support the creativity, ingenuity and passion of local Guatemalan artisans while preserving Maya culture and traditions.
Hiptipico honors the Maya culture, motivates local entrepreneurial spirits and empowers families and communities.
VISION
At Hiptipico, we want to create an outlet for socially responsible consumers who are seeking a sustainable alternative to mass-produced clothing and accessories.
We are dedicated to changing the way people shop. At Hiptipico, you know where your goods are coming from, how they are made and exactly who made them. We share with you the true story behind each item, including the artisans' history and the traditional technique used to craft every piece is our way of empowering our artisan partners and giving them a voice.
It is important to us that we create an environment where our artisan partners can make decisions about their crafts, gain opportunities for their family business, and bring their personal designs to fruition. At Hiptipico, we do not interfere with the design or production process. All items are created by the artisans themselves. Through this dignified job opportunity, Maya artisans partner with Hiptipico to lift themselves out of poverty while doing something they love.
BUSINESS MODEL
Hiptipico’s business model is built on trust, transparency and mutual respect. Hiptipico’s full-time staff are based in Panajachel, Guatemala allowing them to cultivate personal relationships with each individual artisan partner. Unlike other brands, Hiptipico is not an independent designer or simply a buyer stopping through once or twice a year. Hiptipico is a curated collection of authentic artisan-quality products designed by the Maya people.
We are transparent with our artisans and customers about our pricing. The majority of Hiptipico’s artisan partners are specialists in their field and have their own pre-determined pricing structures. But Hiptipico also works closely with the smaller cooperatives and women’s weaving groups to determine a fair wage based on the cost of materials, hours of work, and overall value of their product on the global market.
ETHICAL TRAVEL + TEXTILE SOURCING
We are so confident in our transparency, we ask you to see for yourself! When you sign up to travel ethically with us, you get to personally meet our artisan partners. Our goal is to create a positive space where people can learn and share about the traditions of Guatemala directly from the artisans themselves.
Our focus is the artisans' well-being and strive to help them reach new clients, even outside of Hiptipico. We work with other brands and retailers to ethically source goods privately from Guatemala for their own line. If a new connection means more sustainable and honest work opportunities for our artisans, we are thrilled to facilitate! We offer professional tours and sourcing trips and our founder Alyssa acts as the liaison - communicating transparently between our clients and artisan partners. Upholding the traditions of Maya weavers, paying them fairly for their designs and providing sustainable avenues to express themselves creatively is our utmost importance.
Sign up for the waiting list of our next ethical travel opportunity: November 2023