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Chi Chi Amor is a for-profit, ecologically conscientious small business that creates beautiful children’s clothing integrating Mayan textiles with contemporary “western” fashion.    As cultural anthropologists, Danielle O’Connor and Shari Feldman are compelled by a profound desire to share the history, compromised present, and unknown future of the Mayan weaving tradition.  

Although they take great care to ensure that Chi Chi Amor kids look adorable in this bright and cheerful clothing, it is equally important to them that patrons understand that a child who is wearing a pair of Chi Chi Amor pants, for example, is wearing something that tells a story about the ancient and contemporary indigenous Mayan people. Many of their items are made from pieces of recycled/repurposed Guatemalan “huipil” and “corte”, the traditional shirt and skirt worn by indigenous Mayan women of Guatemala and Mexico. The huipil and corte are woven on a back-strap loom which can take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year to produce one completed textile. They (Danielle and Shari) collaborate directly with several Guatemalan Mayan artisans to find the textiles in the second-hand markets that are used to make many Chi Chi Amor garments and accessories.  They also work directly with their Mayan partners to make collective decisions on design ideas, and how the various items might be improved or changed.

The owners take great care to assure that all of their Guatemalan collaborators will be paid for their work according to the prices they set for themselves. With each visit to Guatemala, Danielle and Shari continue to build a foundation of trust to ensure that all Chi Chi Amor contributors are compensated for their artistry, and will be recognized (by name, if desired) for their input on design and artistic creation.

In addition to creating a sustainable and unique market for traditional Mayan weavings, the company works directly with an organization, Pueblo a Pueblo, to sponsor a child’s healthcare and education.  Additionally, Danielle and Shari work with their clothing producers individually; bringing them requested items such as durable backpacks for their school-aged children, and school supplies.

The owners are also currently raising money for the woman who dyes many of their items with natural dyes, and her collective; as she works to expand her business.

To learn more about Chi Chi Amor, please visit their website, or blog.