Threads of Mayan culture in kids clothes

TAMPA - An eco-friendly business started by two moms from Seminole Heights is bringing a new kind of fashion to the Bay Area, while helping to preserve an ancient culture.

Shari Feldman and Danielle O'Connor are the owners of Chi Chi Amor, a homegrown children's clothing line with Mayan ties. Feldman and O'Connor are anthropologists and travel seasonally to various parts of Guatemala.

It's where they find the materials that create what is Chi Chi Amor.

"We love Guatemala. We love Guatemalan textiles and markets," Feldman says.

It is in the second hand markets of Guatemalan towns like Panajachel where the process begins . Feldman and O'Connoe purchase second hand clothes that are hand woven, and put together by indigenous villagers of Guatemala.

Fabric form a Mayan woman's "corta" or skirt or a traditional Mayan Shirt called a "huipil" is then recycled, re-sewn and turned into trendy, eco-friendly children's clothing.

"The colors, brightness patterns, and uniqueness really lend themselves to kids clothes. They're so cheerful. There are a lot of animals and people," Feldman said.

The moms work with a local producer who takes them to these Guatemalan markets to find their materials. Some of the fabrics used in Chi Chi Amor clothing are also naturally dyed from plants grown in a Guatemalans woman's backyard.

"We have one which is actually St. Johns Wort. We want to preserve the culture, so what they weave is a story is told in their weavings," O'Connor said.

Selling their clothing line is just one mission. Helping the community that helps them is another.

"Guatemala has many needs. There's a high illiteracy rate, and a high malnutrition rate," says Feldman.

So to help, Feldman and O'Connor donate a portion of their sales to the Guatemalan villages. It helps feed people, build schools and rebuild homes destroyed by mudslides from Hurricane Stan in 2005.

They hope shoppers who buy their line appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that go into making these garments. They hope perhaps Bay Area parents who buy the clothes will pass on the story of the Mayan culture they love -- a culture they believe is worth saving.