sumak artisan studio
Our Artisan Studio is a vibrant center of creativity, healing, and renewal. It offers survivors of domestic violence a safe, supportive environment where they can receive counseling, build community, and begin reclaiming their sense of identity and purpose. Within this space, women are not only encouraged to heal—they are empowered to grow.
Through hands‑on training, participants develop valuable, marketable skills rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Every handcrafted item tells a story of resilience, honoring cultural heritage while opening doors to stable, dignified livelihoods. The Artisan Studio becomes more than a workspace; it becomes a pathway to independence, confidence, and long‑term security.
By supporting this program, you help create a community where women can rebuild their lives, rediscover their strengths, and step into a future filled with hope and possibility.
In the region we serve, two out of every three women have experienced domestic abuse. Behind this heartbreaking reality are mothers and children seeking safety, healing, and a chance to rebuild their lives. For many survivors, the greatest barrier to breaking free is economic dependence. They long to leave, but without a way to support themselves and their children, they often feel trapped.
To help break this cycle, our social enterprise, Sumak, provides women with a pathway to independence in a safe and supportive environment. At the Sumak Women’s Artisan Studio, survivors create beautiful Kichwa-style jewelry for a fair wage while also participating in support groups and counseling. Through Sumak, women grow stronger - not only financially, but emotionally and relationally as well.
Kichwa is the language and culture of the indigenous peoples in this part of Ecuador. In Kichwa, sumak means “well-made.” Our vision is to restore each woman’s sense of self-worth while honoring the beauty of their well-made artisan products. The Santiago Partnership has been pursuing this vision since 2010. In recent years, our work has expanded to also serve men, addressing the broader cycle of domestic abuse. In 2024 alone, we walked alongside more than 80 survivors on their journey to freedom.
When you support our online store, you help provide freedom from violence while celebrating the artistry and resilience of Ecuadorian survivors. Each purchase tells a story of courage, hope, and restoration.
