We are a group of passionate artisans and designers crafting home textiles between our studio in Barichara and our artisan partners’ production studios across Colombia.

We are a team of women from diverse cultural backgrounds sharing one national territory, and one common mission: to preserve and revitalize traditional crafts through collaborative design and knowledge exchange.

our story

Zuahaza was founded by Tatiana Ordoñez in 2019 in Colombia. Tatiana made a trip to Charalá to learn about the rich history of cotton growing, spinning and weaving in this region. During her trip, she met with Corpolienzo, a cooperative of artisans. Together, they decided to create a new line of textiles, born of the artisans’ extensive knowledge and of Tatiana’s desire to share creative, innovative textiles with the global market.

behind the name

Zuahaza means “my sister” in the Muisca language of the people who lived in the Cundiboyacense mountain region of Colombia.

As a social enterprise, Zuahaza strives to embody collective sisterhood between women in Colombia. Following an era of intense conflict, which continues to shape and affect Colombia today, Zuahaza seeks to participate in the peacemaking efforts to reunite and heal our country.

Zuahaza strives to connect women from across Colombia, and to create unique products that reflect our diversity, history and dreams as statements of the unity and peace to come from Colombia. This is what sisterhood means to us.

Founders

Tatiana Ordoñez

Veelie Alba

A believer in using business for good, Veelie Alba is an international educator, strategist, and marketing mentor. Her career highlights include experience with innovative organizations across different industries, and a professional journey that merges interdisciplinary interests in culture, travel, business, and social impact.

As an idealist, visionary, and daughter of immigrants, Veelie is drawn to work that advances communities and values sustainability toward a healthier and better world.

Our Approach

We believe in the equal exchange of knowledge between artisans and designers. We are advocates for collaboration and believe this is the only way to honor ancestral traditions and embrace new ways of making. We believe that research through making is the only way to create innovative designs that are rooted in sustainable and fair trade values.

Collaborative design

We believe in collaboration and equality of opinion at every step of our business model. We go beyond fair wages by supporting the dreams of each team member.We create a safe space for them to grow in their careers and as individuals. Whether it's the design process or product development, we believe each team member has the vision and skills to participate in important decision making.

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organic materials + sustainability

We value our earth and its resources. We advocate for a better textile industry of circularity. We believe in creating the most sustainable products we can by committing to only use organic materials and processes.

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Preservation + revitalization of craft

It is becoming harder for artisans to live by their craft with the mass globalization of textiles. We want to change this. We are committed to support artisan communities so they can continue to practice their traditional crafts in a modern society. We celebrate our national heritage and believe in a conscious consumerism that starts with recognizing and elevating the craftsman to a more dignified position in society.

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Minimal waste

Our products are made with organic, biodegradable materials; saving water and eliminating the negative impact of harsh chemicals on our soils. Still, there exists waste in every production step. Therefore, we commit to design with minimal waste in mind, so that by the end of the production stage, we have as little waste as possible. With any leftovers, we create smaller items out of the scrap fabrics and reutilize the small threads in fertilizers in our cotton farms. We are committing to grow in our knowledge of circulatory and aspire to become a zero-waste production company in the near future.

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craft + Technology

Our design approach is a collaboration between handmade and technological techniques. We know there are struggles in competing in a fast-paced, machine-made world of goods, and although we strongly advocate for using artisanal techniques, we also embrace new technologies that will help our artisans to sustain their craft. New technologies might include newer tools for hand spinning, the aid of flying shuttles for weaving and better sewing machines for finishing products.

made in colombia

Colombia's breathtaking landscapes and inspiring people are what makes us who we are. Located in the north tip of South America, Colombia spreads from the Caribbean to the Andes and the Amazon Rainforest, making it one of the most biodiverse countries the world! this country is full of passionate, creative and joyful individuals from multiethnic backgrounds, making Colombia an incredibly diverse country we absolutely love living in!