Rosario Mendoza and daughter Chonita –

Rosario is from Santiago Atitlan and has six children ranging in age from 23 years old to 7 years old. She rents a small retail space where she sells a large variety of beadwork creations as well as textiles. Her stall is one of many selling arts and crafts on the main road leading up from the Santiago Atitlan Dock.

We were particularly impressed by the quality and workmanship of her beadwork and are primarily purchasing beaded bags and belts from her. All the beadwork is made by Rosario and other family members and Rosario’s eighteen year old daughter, Chonita helps with tending the store and beading as well. Rosario’s seven year old daughter old was doing her homework in the store after school when we visited. The family also needs money to cover secondary school costs for one of \ Rosario’s older son’s tuition. If her sales increase, however there would be a lot less financial pressure as they have a large inventory, and a great deal of competitors especially of beadwork.

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