Guatemalan EoC entrepreneur Cruz Alicia Guerrero tells us with enthusiasm and immediacy about an experience she had after participating in the "Summer School of Economy of Communion" for Young People which took place at the Mariapolis Lia, Argentina, in early January
Like all the young people who attended the School, Cruz Alicia decided to embark on a permanent journey, with her heart open to new opportunities. She tells us:
“I am an ethnic Maya-Kaqchikel woman, a weaver and teacher by profession, who is trying to realise an entrepreneurial project called Qachik', which means ‘Our Dreams’. The primary objective is to give dignity to the Maya woman weaver, starting with the laborious handicraft work she does, remunerating her fairly and training her to develop her potential as a Maya woman; in the same way, we want to share in other countries the cultural richness that our woven products bring with their colours and shapes, and to preserve this craft that has been handed down from generation to generation by our grandmothers, in the indigenous villages. We currently offer products locally.”
“I would like to share with you an experience that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my day. As soon as I returned home from the School, I found myself immersed in the hustle and bustle of attending to business matters. In the midst of this daily hustle and bustle, an opportunity presented itself that I could not pass up. As I went about my duties, I took advantage of the presence of a group of female colleagues and other women to offer them some fabrics I had with me.”
“When I presented my product, some colleagues asked me why I had changed the original version. My answer was clear: the new version made the product lighter, more comfortable and fresher, while maintaining the essence of our culture through the meaning of the figures and designs. Furthermore, I emphasised its convenience for the customer.”
“At that moment, a new voice joined the conversation, announcing that they were offering something similar, as if they wanted to compete with me.”
“Finding myself in this unexpected situation, I decided to change the subject and considered the possibility of forming alliances instead of entering into ‘competition’. Addressing my colleagues, I said that together we could achieve incredible things. There was a moment of silence, but what happened a few minutes later exceeded all my expectations. I received an order for four güipiles (güipil is a typical Guatemalan blouse), and my ‘competitor’ decided to buy the fabrics from me so she could embroider them herself.”
“This episode taught me a valuable lesson: instead of seeing others as rivals, we can turn our competitor into an ally to achieve greater goals.”
During the Summer School for Young People that took place a short while ago, participants shared their testimonies, expressing gratitude and renewed enthusiasm for adopting the EoC as a way of life. And after this post-school experience, we were left with the conviction that the EoC not only promises a bright future, but contributes continuously to building a bright tomorrow that we are just beginning to glimpse.
The School was not an isolated event, but the beginning of a journey of continuous learning, growth and collaboration. We invite everyone to go on forging partnerships, exploring opportunities and building a future of solidarity together: let us continue to walk towards a tomorrow full of light and communion!
Tags: Economy of Communion
