Otavalo, Ecuador

Partners since 2014

About

Noonday’s partnership with Luis & Marina’s workshop started in 2014 when we placed our first order for one of their brightly colored tagua seed necklaces. But the couple’s Artisan journey started well before that, in 2005. Marina remembers that they used to go to the local market each day in hopes of earning enough to support their family. But sales were inconsistent, and life was hard for them. They were surviving, but not thriving.

“Then we met Noonday,” Marina recalls. Noonday’s customers loved the couple’s sustainably crafted seed jewelry. And soon, Luis and Marina were able to hire some of their neighbors and friends to help them fulfill Noonday’s orders. When these orders came in, the couple says they thought, “All our dreams have already come true. Now we have to learn how to dream even bigger.”

  • Otavalo, Ecuador

    Nestled in the Andes, Ecuador is known for its ecological beauty and diversity. Its varied landscape features active volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and sprawling Incan ruins. Its main exports include agricultural products like cacao, bananas, and flowers. Ecuador is a country that treasures its natural resources–in fact, it was the first nation to officially recognize the rights of nature in its constitution in 2008. Ecuador's indigenous groups make up 25% of the population; their cultures form a unique tapestry of flavors, textiles, and languages.

Flourishing World Initiative Grant Recipient

  • Luis and Marina dreamed of growing their business, but their modest space made growth difficult. A $1,000 grant from Noonday allowed them to move their workshop from their home to a larger space next door.
  • In 2018, another grant allowed the couple to make improvements to their home, including adding a second story to provide much needed space for their family.
  • Noonday’s support continued through the COVID pandemic with $2,000 in grants that helped these tenacious entrepreneurs stay afloat when they needed it most.

Stories of Flourishing

  • Marina
    Like all loving parents, Marina never wanted her son to have to sacrifice his dreams because of finances. And today, she and Luis have managed to make those dreams possible. With hard work, the couple have been able to help their son pursue his dream of studying music. The income has not only helped pay for their son’s school fees, but has also allowed them to send him to special music classes and purchase instruments, a dream they never thought would be possible.
  • Marisela
    Marisela began working with Luis and Marina making pieces for Noonday in 2014. With her artisan income, she has been able to support her five children’s education – and has even put her eldest son through university. Marisela loves her job because of the flexibility, which has allowed her to not only earn an income but also care for her children as they grow up. She loves her job and hopes that all of Noonday’s customers can feel her love in their products.