MEET THE MAKERS

Carlos comes from a very close family, consisting of he and his wife, two daughters, their husbands and three beautiful grandchildren. All of them are very hard working and looking for excellence in what they do, open to learn new things and apply them and as far as possible innovate and improve them. They firmly believe in God, our provider and sustainer of life, in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit our comforter and guide. Carlos owns one of the workshops we partner with and has been in the footwear industry since 1993, and provides him with the opportunity to care for his family and other families as well. He views his business as a way to strengthen his country.

Isabel is 50 years old, one of 10 children, she learned to weave at the age of 7 years old. With her work, she has raised her children and she is very grateful with the work that she has with The Root Collective because she has been able to ensure her children received an education. She loves to weave new designs. Her youngest daughter who is 14 years old, always helps her with winding and preparing the yarn. Isabel is very grateful to God for the orders they receive and she hopes that the work will continue.

Carlos is married and has a daughter and two sons. He has been making shoes for 40 years, and has kept the art alive by teaching his two sons, who are now also shoemakers. He loves that his job allows him to meet new people and make friends.

Angel is married with a daughter. He has been working in the industry for 3 years and this job has allowed him to care for his family. He knows most people are surprised that their shoes are made by hand and he loves explaining the process.

Juventino has been working as a shoemaker for 20 years. Consistent work is allowing him to get ahead, rather than living day by day. He is grateful for the work. He loves that his shoes and his art is going around the world and becoming known. It gives him a lot of pride!

Luis is married and has three children, two daughters and a son. They are all still in school and studying hard. He's been making shoes for 38 years. He began training at a young age and has learned all of the different parts of the process.

Rolando is married and has six children. He's been making shoes for years, and he has since taught one of his sons, as well. Shoemaking is truly a generational art that's passed down again and again. His job allows him to support his family and his children's education. He's proud that people are surprised that his shoes are handmade and loves that he's able to give customers a quality product.

Telma is raising her two children by herself. She has been in the footwear industry for 20 years and is grateful that it financially provides for her family.

Elizabeth lives with her two children and her mother. They love going to church. She's been making shoes for 23 years and it helps her provide for her family. She said that making shoes really helps her appreciate them more because she understands what goes into making them!

Juan Carlos has a tight-knit, God-fearing family. He's been making shoes for 33 years and it sustains his family. He loves that making shoes a form of art in which he can express himself.

All of Hector's children live with him and Christ is the center of their home. He has been making shoes for a long time and takes a lot of care and pride in his work. It means so much to him to hear that his work is appreciated.

Carlos and 7 other family members live together. He's been making shoes for 9 years, and the work allows him to fight for the best for his children. He loves hearing how much The Root Collective customers like his work.

Edgar lives with his wife and 3 children. He thinks they're the best family in the world! He's been making shoes for 25 years and it allows him to feed his family and send his girls to school. He loves making shoes that our customers love and keep coming back for more!