Deep in the heart of Yucatán, where ancestral rhythms still echo in everyday life, a quiet revolution is weaving its way into the future—one thread at a time. At the center of it is Angela Damman, a designer and entrepreneur whose love for craft, culture, and sustainability has shaped a movement.
The Maya Youth Artisan Initiative (MYAI), founded by Angela and developed in collaboration with Professor Ashley Kubley of the University of Cincinnati, is more than a teaching program—it’s a living bridge between generations, rooted in heritage and blooming with possibility.
Preserving a Weaving Tradition
At the heart of MYAI lies a profound question: What if the ancient art of weaving henequén—a skill passed through generations of Maya women—could become a tool for cultural pride and economic empowerment in the 21st century?
In the town of Hocaba, Yucatán, this vision is unfolding. Young women are learning to weave agave fibers on traditional backstrap looms, guided by elder artisans who serve as mentors and cultural stewards. This weaving practice is not only a craft, but a deeply rooted expression of identity—an inheritance with pre-Hispanic origins that shaped the history of Yucatán.
Angela’s Purpose and Process
Having lived in Yucatán for over a decade, Angela saw both the urgent need to protect traditional textile arts and the lack of local employment for young women. MYAI was her response—a program that merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design thinking, giving young artisans the tools to innovate while staying connected to their roots.
Angela puts it simply: “It’s not about reviving something old for nostalgia. It’s about helping these young women recognize that what they’ve inherited is powerful—it can shape their future.”
More Than Weaving: Education, Design, and Entrepreneurship
MYAI uses a mentorship-based learning model where students move from fiber preparation and natural dyeing to advanced loom work. But the program goes far beyond technique.
Participants are introduced to design theory, artisanal business practices, and financial literacy. They attend field trips, work with guest instructors, and explore how their heritage craft fits into the global demand for fair-trade, handmade design—creating textiles, bags, and home décor that honor tradition while meeting modern standards of quality and marketability.
Three Pillars of MYAI
1. Cultural Conservation
MYAI encourages students to take pride in their Maya identity through hands-on heritage learning. By preserving ancient weaving methods, young women also become protectors of a cultural legacy.
2. Capacity + Skill Building
Participants gain both artisanal and business training—preparing them for collaborative design work, artisan collectives, and future ventures of their own.
3. Economic Inclusion
Through workshops in entrepreneurship and product development, MYAI opens new paths to sustainable income. Students showcase their work, connect with buyers, and become contributors to the global slow fashion and handmade goods market.
Why Hocaba?
Angela chose Hocaba not just for its rich textile legacy, but because of her deep personal ties to the community. Women in Hocaba have woven henequén for generations, and many still hold the knowledge of plant-based textile production. By launching MYAI here, Angela ensured that the project would have both cultural depth and community trust.
Looking Ahead: Momentum and Expansion
What began as a 2019 pilot project has since evolved into a thriving initiative. Relaunched in 2024 with support from the IBU Foundation and Nova Bossa/Latin American Design Week, MYAI is poised for expansion. Future plans include new collections, extended workshops, and the replication of the model in other artisan-rich communities across Yucatán.
Angela’s vision is bold yet grounded: to see a generation of young Maya women confident in their craft, connected to their roots, and equipped to lead.
“We’re creating a space where tradition and modernity coexist—where a young woman can earn income doing something she’s proud of, while keeping her grandmother’s legacy alive.” — Angela Damman
Follow the Journey
Learn more and support the Maya Youth Artisan Initiative:
- Instagram: @maya_youth_artisan_initiative
- Website: angeladamman.com
