Meet the Artisans
Sibimbe
Alleviating poverty and creating self-sustainability through fair employment in traditional sewing.
In 1998 Thistle Farms’ founder, Becca Stevens, opened a school in San Eduardo, Ecuador. This school was gifted the name of Anne Stevens, Becca’s mother, in honor of her memory.
As Thistle Farms grew, it became apparent that it could have a greater economic impact worldwide. Why put limits on economic justice and sustainable income? Survivors exist in a multitude, stretching to every last continent and country. With this global vision in mind, Thistle Farms’ accelerator program was launched with a goal to exist globally so women can feel freedom locally.
Becca had been in conversation with the priest at Iglesia de San Eduardo about the possibility of founding a cooperative with the local women for years, so as the program transformed from an idea to a concrete reality, Thistle Farms presented the opportunity to a local group of women with a vision. They began to dream: What could sustain and respect the beautiful Latin American culture whilst being desirable in our market? Many ideas were discussed and discarded. Then finally the women made a decision, and it was to sew.
The women of Sibimbe started making healing oil bags in 2013, and as they have sharpened and perfected their trade they have been capable of expanding their product variety to Relaxing Eye Pillows. The cooperative is comprised of five women determined to make an income for their families. The introduction of this corporative has been transformative to the community of San Eduardo. The women can now be self-sustaining and expand to the U.S. markets that otherwise would be inaccessible. The women can now provide education for their children, and then grandchildren. The introduction of education and resource into a poverty-stricken community has a ripple effect that flows infinitely through generations.
Each Sibimbe product purchased is more than a material item, it is an education in a child’s future. It is hope for a single mother to sustain her family, and a beacon to escape a cycle of poverty in a deserving community. At Thistle Farms Global, we are proud to provide a fair wage to artisans around the world.