Teysha’s mission is to create economic opportunity for artisans and cultures to thrive.
They work with traditional artisans in Latin America to create thoughtfully designed goods which empower artisans to earn a livelihood in their traditional craft.
Teysha, the stunning handcrafted shoes recently announced their first installment of a collaboration with shoe designer, Selena McCartney bringing her 15 years of shoe designing experience to their Guatemalan craftsmen.
Selena and Sophie Eckrich, the 29-year-old co-founder of Teysha, are both born and raised in Central Texas with Latina mothers, so the collaboration has been full of cultural exchange and has brought new techniques to the artisan groups in Guatemala.
“The idea for Teysha has always been to create opportunities for people and cultures to thrive through beautiful and meaningful design. We have lived this mission since 2012, while building our own workshop in Guatemala, building an impactful local supply chain, and creating 15+ jobs in Guatemala,” stated Eckrich.
Over the past five years, Teysha has built their own workshop in Guatemala, employing over fifteen traditional shoemakers. They have designed rural supply chains enabling women and men weavers to work in their communities and care for their families.
Teysha has pioneered the custom- designed footwear market enabling customers to directly collaborate with artisans around the world. One of Teysha’s employees in Guatemala, Victor, began with the company when he was 18 years old and working as a leather-cutter. Through working with Teysha, Victor was able to afford to complete his University degree in Accounting and has now been promoted to assistant workshop manager in Guatemala.
That is just one example of how Teysha is helping to better the lives of their craftsmen and women.
SOCIAL IMPACT FOR THE GREATER GOOD
” These are the most beautiful shoe I’ve ever owned. They are even more exquisite in person – the fit, the pattern – I am so thrilled about them. Looking to buy more for my (now very envious) family and friends!” Kaila
Teysha plans to expand its collection from shoes to bags, apparel, and home goods, enabling the company to continue expanding its artisan network and impact.