La Casa Cotzal was founded as a retail store in Guatemala City in 1994. The primary goal has always been to find markets for the finest traditional Guatemalan crafts.The store sold fine vintage textiles, antique vernacular furniture as well as modern pieces upholstered in custom weaves, and museum quality folk art, including dance masks, santos, slingshots, and other items relating to the religious and everyday life of the indigenous Mayan population. They began to export in 1995.

La Casa aims to generate sustainable, optimum income-producing crafts production, including new opportunities for existing artisan groups, and training for incipient groups. They work in as many niches of markets as possible in order to assure work for as many capable artisans as they can.