Maya Moon moves to Lake Atitlán.

The deepest lake in Central America and a mysterious place that is profoundly connected to the Mayan culture.

The view of Volcano San Pedro from San Pablo, Lake Atitlán.

Maya Moon began in Antigua Guatemala, during the height of the pandemic in 2020. I had intended to visit Guatemala for only three weeks to improve my Spanish in Antigua and to relax a little at Lake Atitlán. Before I was living in Costa Rica, but I neither made it back to my previous life there nor the lake because the entire country went into lockdown just one week after my arrival in March and the airports closed quickly. Originally, Guatemala started out as a scary place that I was so desperate to leave and now, I can't think of anywhere else that I want to be. It's extraordinary how life unfolds in mysterious ways that you could never dream were possible and to what paths and places, fate will encourage you to follow. 

The view of Volcan de Agua and Antigua from Cerro de la Cruz.

After being practically stranded in Antigua, I needed to think of some resolutions fast. So I started teaching English online to earn some money and I also began volunteering for various NGO's to feel like I was making a community difference during a difficult time. It was through one of these connections that I was made aware of the women's woven collective of Sanik in Sololá. I originally bought a mask as a customer. But I was so impressed with the quality of the material and the product that I wanted to share it as well as support the women at Sanik to survive and thrive. 

Abbie the founder wearing her favorite Pastel Sanik Mask.   

Thus the creation of Maya Moon began. I wanted to start a social enterprise in order to support small Guatemalan business owners and preserve the beautiful and traditional arts and crafts of the Mayan culture. I studied Anthropology at University so I was fascinated to learn more about the Mayan culture. So this is more than a business venture for me. Better described as a passion to learn more, provide ethical and sustainable products to help people, the environments in which we live, and furthermore, to advocate economically disadvantaged people to flourish in their businesses and to encourage their traditional arts and skills.

A lady at Sanik using the ancient art of back-strap weaving.  

                                                        

The women at Sanik use the ancient tradition of back-strap weaving to make the material for their reusable, artisan masks. Resulting in high-quality woven designs that are completely unique. The weaver ties the loom to her waist and controls the movement of the weave using slight motions of her body in a highly skilled art that is passed down from their ancestors. Before the pandemic, the women at Sanik were making other traditional products such as table runners, bracelets, and handbags. Currently, due to Covid-19, their only source of income and avenue for providing food for their families is through the creation and sale of their beautifully crafted masks and from the support of our customers. 

As for Maya Moon, we are in the process of researching and finding other beautiful Mayan products to ship and send to the UK. But in the meantime, you can show your support by ordering our eco-friendly and ethical Sanik masks. I have relocated to Lake Atitlán, the heart of the Mayan culture, and I am learning an abundance of new information as well as working hard to find ways to support the isolated communities of San Pablo and San Juan. I will soon be telling my customers the stories behind my new products and releasing them. If you have any questions or proposals or would like to know more about my adventures and upcoming products then please email me at mayamoonmagic@gmail.com. You can also follow my social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @MayaMoonMagic. 

Let's strive to support one another and be more conscious of our buying options and of our environment. Together we can make a change and a real difference to those much less fortunate than ourselves. Please can you share my posts? I need your help with making a positive impact!

Sending peaceful thoughts to you all.

My best regards,

Abbie Prior

Founder at Maya Moon

@MayaMoonMagic

mayamoonmagic@gmail.com