Lucuma Designs on a Mission
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Promoting Art & Design Through Fair Trade
By guiding the creative process and empowering talented artists to go beyond the ordinary while developing opportunities for women and family workshops in Peru,
Lucuma Designs brings you contemporary fine crafts and original folk art to
inspire your imagination and brighten our world.
As a socially responsible company, Lucuma Designs is a proud member
of the Fair Trade Federation, an non-profit organization of businesses commited
to help artisans and producers around the world improve their standard of
living.
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Lucuma's Story
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In the summer of 1998, during a trip to the colorful markets of Peru, the idea
for Lucuma was born. Alessandra, a designer, and Don, a web expert, were the
perfect combination of creativity and expertise necessary to bring Lucuma
Designs to life. Through the years, they have enjoyed working hand-in-hand with
many talented artists, broadening the Lucuma collection to bring only the
highest quality fine art and original crafts to the world. Lucuma Designs
became a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation
in 1999.
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Lucuma's Collection: A Unique Approach to Art and Design |
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Our rich collection of unique gifts, original home décor, and creative
fashion accessories is designed exclusively by Lucuma and handcrafted by our
talented artists. We knew from the beginning that only this type of
hand-in-hand relationship would produce the quality and one-of-a-kind products
our customers are looking for. The Lucuma collection is made from only the best
materials, and every piece, from the gourd
ornament to the grand arpillera,
is carefully crafted by hand, one at a time.
Creativity, personality and originality shines throughout, so enjoy shopping
our collection of gourd art, finger puppets,
mirrors, treasure boxes,
jewelry, Christmas gifts,
children’s toys and much more!
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The Artists: A Source of Empowering Creativity
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Lucuma Designs works with over 250 talented, self-taught artists in 15 different
groups, co-operatives and family workshops. They are expert
carvers, gifted painters, master
knitters, and skilled quilters. The techniques they practice have stood
the test of time, passed down through their families from generation to
generation. We work hand in hand with these artisans, lending the support and
encouragement needed to redefine their traditional skills into creative pieces
for modern day life.
Some of our artists lead a very traditional life high up in the Andean
mountains. They live on farms, raise livestock, grow their own food and make
their own clothing. Their existence is simple in nature, although not always
easy. Others have moved to the outskirts of Lima, the capital city of Peru,
bustling with over 9 million people. Here, they've learned to turn their
artistic talent into opportunity. Like the pieces they create, each of our
artists have a unique and interesting story.
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Lucuma: a Fruit, a Color, our Name
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Lucuma (loo-coo-ma) is a delicately-flavored
tropical fruit native to the cool highlands of Peru.
The word "Lucuma" is also commonly used in Peru to refer to
the color of its orange-yellow starchy flesh. This
color served as inspiration for the Lucuma Designs brand
as we wanted our name to reflect the vibrant and colorful
personality of the Peruvian Folk Art we help create.
To taste this delicious fruit, visit Peru on summer months from
January to April. Lucuma is consumed fresh and the bulk is dehydrated
to be make ice cream which is Peruvians most popular flavor.
Still a rare find in the US in its fresh form, you may get lucky
finding it frozen at an ethnic supermarket. Easier but never
the same is to find it dry in powder, great for milkshakes.
This exotic fruit is rarely found fresh although few growers
in California and Hawaii are experimenting with it.
To find more about the history of this exotic and tasty fruit,
we suggest you check out the cookbook by Mariella Balbi and
Fernando Cabieses Lucuma:
A Legacy of pre-Hispanic Taste, with many tasty
recipes. Our favorite is lucuma ice cream - yum!
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Fair Trade: Gifts to Feel Good About
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Our artisans have a unique talent that allows them to create beautiful works of
art for you to enjoy. Lucuma Designs fairly compensates our artist and producer
partners for their work in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to prosper and live
with dignity. We work with many women artisans, who through
fair trade, are given the opportunity to work from home while earning
an income for their family. In a country with more than 50% unemployment,
Lucuma is able to instill in these artists a sense of independence and self
worth.
When you purchase from Lucuma, you show your appreciation for the wonderful uniqueness of our
products and at the same time show your support for fair
trade. Feel good knowing you are not only purchasing a beautifully handcrafted and
original gift, but you are also helping the hands that made it.
Learn more about Fair Trade and the simple things
you can do to help fight for sustainable business worldwide.
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The Lucuma Designs Team |
Team USA
Alessandra Bravo, President & Designer
Don Blackowiak, Marketing & Technology
Liz McTeer, Client Services & Marketing
Diane Rodriguez, Client Services & Warehouse Extraordinaire
Ginger Waugh, Photography
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Team Peru
Paola Gattinoni, Manager
Miriam Huaman, Quality Control & Product Development
Silvia Sanchez, Artist Coordinator
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