# Ancestor-Inspired Accessories Wakami Helps Disconnected Communities Find Urban Markets By Andrew Robertson | Published 2012-04-13 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wakami References: [roozt](http://www.roozt.com/Wakami/about_company.php) & [wakami.net](http://wakami.net/index.html) Developed by Kiej de los Bosques, the Wakami brand is part of a social enterprise that markets products from rural communities in Guatemala. Wakumi products are the result of a collaboration between designers and artisan groups who wish to share the Guatemalan experience with the rest of the world. From [bracelets to woven dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-art-of-adornment), the products are created by Guatemalan women who come from rural communities and whose passion for their [ancestral heritage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lost-cloth-project) is expressed through their artwork. What were once impoverished areas are now prosperous communities due to the equal distribution of profits towards those who make the commodities. Wakumi encourages people to become leaders of change within their community. **Contact Information** Wakami [website](http://wakami.net/index.html) Wakami on [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/Wakami.net?ref=ts) Wakami on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/#!/_wakami_) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Social Enterprise for Rural Communities:** Opportunity for businesses to collaborate with disenfranchised communities to create an equitable and sustainable economy. - **Ancestral-inspired Products:** Possible to design high-quality products that celebrate one's culture, tradition, and heritage. - **Empowering Marginalized Women:** Opportunity for businesses to collaborate with women in underserved regions to create jewelry and accessories that benefit local economies and build skills and self-esteem among women. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion:** Fashion industry can learn from Wakami how to create a more equitable and sustainable supply chain by collaborating with disenfranchised communities. - **Social Enterprise:** Social Enterprise sectors can benefit from collaboration with marginalized communities and women to develop innovative products and build a more equitable economy. - **Fair Trade:** Fair Trade industry can utilize the Wakami model to collaborate with artisans and communities to develop high-quality products that celebrate their culture and traditions while benefiting the local economy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stunning Sustainable Pottery Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-pottery.md) - [D2C Artisan Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisan-marketplace1.md) - [Regionally Handcrafted Jewelry Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handcrafted-jewelrys.md) - [Diverse Hand-Knit Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hand-knit-dolls.md) - [Empowering Lambani-Designed Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lambani-looms.md) - [Handcrafted Jewelry Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretty-weird.md) - [Culturally Influenced Baby Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isla-and-mimi.md) - [Upcycled Surf Kite Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edgy-kids-brand.md) - [International Jewelry-Focused Digital Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeweler-collective.md)