Y Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo! It's Christmas Eve, and that has us thinking of all of the great things that we are thankful for this year and all of the exciting things to come in the next one. While this year has certainly had it's challenges, we have had so much fun growing and trying new things with you. Your support has provided for artisans around the globe from Guatemala to Nepal to Ghana! It has also helped us launch a new website, work with artisans to design a whole line of new products, provide necessities for people affected by COVID-19, and so much more. In this edition of the blog, we want to take a moment to reflect on 2020, say a huge thank you, and look forward to 2021.
The Big Takeaways
2020 has been a year of change to say the least. Everything about life looks different now, and here at Lucia's we've been trying to make some changes for the better. Here are our big three:
Our New Website
This year we launched our new and improved website! We've reorganized the navigation for easy shopping, we're adding more and more product each week, and we're writing blogs so you can get more information about how to shop ethically for your closet and home.
You spoke, and we listened. With all of us shopping online more and more, it's more important than ever that fair trade shopping is easy and accessible online. Now, nearly every product we carry in store is also available on the web shop, with even more to come in 2021. Your favorite items, like winter wear, felted coasters, and more are just one click away. In 2021 we plan on amping up the website by adding product stories to each item. That way you can have access to the knowledge of our staff from the comfort of your home.
New Products
This year we partnered with artisans to design new products in the midst of and because of changing times. Our number one best-selling product of the year was one of these items - our Embroidered Protective Face Covering. Every single mask has been handstitched and sown by artisans in Guatemala from the protection of their own homes. Not only is the handiwork of the highest quality, each design also shares the ancient heritage from the Mayan people through the unique kind of embroidery and pattern.
The traditional type of embroidery done by the women in Guatemala dates back to pre-colonial times. In each village, a unique style of embroidered garments called huipil exists that represents and maintains Mayan culture in Guatemala. As more women are educated in Guatemala, this Mayan heritage is dying. By incorporating the art of embroidery in new ways, and by encouraging education of women we work with, Lucia's hopes to help keep tradition alive in Guatemala.
Giving Back
This year your support allowed us to provide for people around the globe and for people in our very own backyard. Through orders from the #TeamKentucky and Artisan Relief collections, we were able to donate ___somany___ meals and other necessities to families in Guatemala and our home state of Kentucky, and we aren't finished yet.
Shopping our Special Collections isn't the only way to extend your impact with Lucia's. This year we partnered with multiple charitable and local organizations for discount shopping days. This month, we teamed up with Guatemalan Education Outreach to support Guatemalan teachers and schools. On special shopping days, you save big and we give back. Be on the lookout for more in 2021, and leave a note in the comments if you want to be a Lucia's partner!
Looking forward to 2021
In 2021 we have some more updates planned, and we can't wait for you to see all of them, like the product stories that will be going up on every product page in the spring.
We look forward to growing and supporting more artisans in the new year, finding incredible new products for your closet and home, and bringing ethical options to more people than ever before.
Are we missing something on your wish list? Let us know in the comments. Our best ideas always come from our customers.
