Miraflores, La Paz, Bolivia

‘Madres y Artesanas Tex’  (Mothers and Artisans Tex) is an organization composed of mini-businesses administered by and made up of women dedicated to the production of high-quality hand knitted garments. Each of these self-administered businesses can count on a guaranteed market thanks to the administration provided by Yelka Maric, the organization’s administrator and principal entrepreneur.

These mini-businesses employ up to 200 craftswomen during the high season. The work model requires an in-house training period which runs until a prototype, in complete compliance with the quality demands of the market. Each mini-business is led by a woman who guides, teaches and supervises all the processes used in producing the assigned garments. Under strict quality-control, the finished product is returned to the company for exportation to the U.S. This business model empowers women in Bolivia, by giving the work while allowing them to care for their families. Women are able to work from home when necessary or bring their children with them to the workplace. M&A Tex specializes in handmade production methods such as macramé, crochet, and other varied knitting styles. The perfecting of these skills is enabling these women to reach womenswear luxury markets.

Heirlome collaborates every season with M&A Tex, who hand craft all knit styles in luxury yarns sourced from Italy and Japan.