Our oldest child, Maria, is now 23. It’s probably embarrassing for her, but Chris and I named her after our favorite character in "The Sound of Music". Maria von Trapp was a vibrant, intelligent, independent woman with a beautiful singing voice. Our Maria definitely inherited the vivacious, smart, and independent parts, but perhaps not the singing talent.

Coincidentally, I work closely with three incredible women named Maria at Intertwined! 

The first Maria, Maria Ixtuc Och De Aj, is a treasure I discovered in Chichicastenango while admiring her husband's wood carvings. She and her family specialize in acquiring and trading neutral-colored huipiles (Mayan blouses), particularly those from Nebaj. These huipiles are masterpieces created on backstrap looms, adorned with hidden motifs of animals, corn, and mountains. The unpredictability of these designs is what makes them so captivating. Lorenzo, our talented leather artisan, transformed some of Maria's beautiful huipiles into our new bucket bags, which launched on the website this morning. We only have four available now, but Maria is on the hunt for more! Maria is quiet but incredibly thoughtful. She often checks in with a simple text to share updates or just say hello.The second Maria hails from Nebaj and now resides in Antigua. She’s a master of the Nebaj hair wrap, a skill she graciously demonstrated to me. This Maria focuses on huipiles that have seen better days, but their beauty hasn't faded. Because of the stains and holes, I purchase these huipiles for smaller projects and use the very best parts! Our talented team at Ruth & Naomi has transformed these repurposed huipiles into stunning ornaments.

Our third Maria, Maria Xirum, is a gifted weaver and crocheter known for her exquisite striped cotton blankets. These cozy blankets have been flying off the shelves as we approach fall. We've expanded our color options beyond the classic teal and cream to include navy, rust, and royal blue. Maria is incredibly persistent and always eager to share her beautiful creations. Her determination is inspiring, and I’m grateful that the Intertwined family (that's you!) has the opportunity to support her and her family.