Every UPAVIM product begins with a woman.
Behind every potholder, ornament, kitchen towel, and handcrafted gift is an artisan whose creativity and hard work make that product possible.
For many of UPAVIM's newest designs, that artisan is Cristina.
For the past 18 years, Cristina has been part of the UPAVIM family. Today, she helps develop new products, create prototypes, and bring fresh ideas to life—many of which will soon find their way into homes across the United States.
As we prepare to launch new collections in the coming months, we'd like to introduce one of the talented women helping shape what's next at UPAVIM.
A Journey of Resilience
Cristina was born in Patzún, Chimaltenango, in Guatemala's highlands. As a young child, she lost both of her parents during Guatemala's armed conflict, a civil war that disproportionately impacted Indigenous communities throughout the country.
Raised by her grandparents, Cristina later moved to Guatemala City in search of opportunity and a better future.
As a teenager, she became a mother. Looking back, Cristina remembers that conversations about relationships, reproductive health, and pregnancy were rarely discussed in her community. Like many young women, she entered motherhood with little information or support. The responsibilities came early, but they also strengthened her determination to create a different future for her children.
Years later, while raising her family, Cristina found an opportunity at UPAVIM.
Her first job was helping with cleaning duties in the bakery. She still remembers receiving her first paycheck and the excitement and hope it brought her.
"I was so happy," Cristina recalls. "When I received my first paycheck, I felt excited and hopeful."
Learning, Growing, and Thriving
Throughout her years at UPAVIM, Cristina embraced every opportunity to learn.
She participated in self-esteem workshops, learned artisan skills, and expanded her responsibilities throughout the organization. During the pandemic, UPAVIM provided her with sewing training and a sewing machine, allowing her to continue working and developing new skills from home.
Over time, those opportunities transformed not only her abilities but also her confidence.
"The woman I was before no longer exists," Cristina says. "I have learned so much here."
As her skills grew, so did her opportunities.
What began as a small role eventually led to a position creating product samples and prototypes. At first, Cristina was nervous about accepting the responsibility. Today, she is one of the key people involved in developing new products at UPAVIM.
From creating samples and testing ideas to calculating material usage and production costs, Cristina helps transform concepts into finished products. Many of the upcoming designs you'll see from UPAVIM have passed through her hands long before they are introduced to customers.
"Sometimes I tell myself that women can achieve what they want in life if they are given the opportunity," she says.
Bringing New Ideas to Life
Every new UPAVIM product starts with an idea.
That idea must be tested, refined, sampled, and improved before it becomes a finished product.
Cristina now plays a critical role in that process.
Whether she is refining a prototype, creating a sample, or helping prepare a new design for production, her creativity and experience help bring new collections to life.
In the coming months, we'll be introducing several new products that Cristina helped develop—including playful holiday dog ornaments, a bold Frida-inspired kitchen collection, and many other exciting new designs.
When you shop UPAVIM, you're not only supporting artisans—you are supporting the women whose creativity helps shape every new product we create.
A Family Story
When Cristina first joined UPAVIM, she was focused on providing for her children and creating a better future for her family.
Today, she is the proud mother of seven children and grandmother to a growing family.
One of her daughters is currently studying law at university with the support of a UPAVIM scholarship. For Cristina, seeing her daughter pursue higher education is one of her proudest accomplishments and a powerful reminder of how opportunity can create lasting change across generations.
Another daughter continues her education through UPAVIM's educational support programs, with access to technology and resources that help her succeed in school.
Her older children are now raising families of their own, and Cristina enjoys watching her grandchildren reach educational milestones and pursue opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
Looking at her family today, Cristina sees the results of years of hard work, perseverance, and opportunity. What began as a job nearly two decades ago has helped create opportunities that now extend across multiple generations.
Why Your Purchase Matters
Every UPAVIM product carries a story.
Behind each handmade item is an artisan working to support her family, develop new skills, and build a brighter future.
Cristina's story is one example of what long-term opportunity can make possible.
Over the course of 18 years, she has grown from a bakery helper into a product developer. She has raised seven children, helped support educational opportunities for the next generation, and now contributes to the creation of products enjoyed by customers across the United States.
When you purchase from UPAVIM, you become part of that story.
Your support helps create meaningful employment, educational opportunities, and lasting change for women and families in Guatemala.
Looking Toward the Future
Cristina often speaks about the opportunities UPAVIM has provided—not only for herself, but for her children.
"UPAVIM gave me opportunities to grow," she says. "Now I know that women can achieve what they want in life when they are given the opportunity."
As we prepare to introduce Cristina's newest product designs, we're reminded that every product carries a story.
Behind each sample, prototype, and finished piece is a woman who has spent nearly two decades learning, growing, and creating opportunities for her family.
We hope you'll continue following Cristina's journey and celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and determination of artisans like her who make UPAVIM possible.