Rosario Ratzan

The beauty of Santiago Atitlan is more than just its views and nature. Its beauty is also found in its hard-working people. One example is the artisan group led by Rosario Ratzan.

Her story of success and art began with her parents, who made embroidered bracelets, blouses, paintings and other handicrafts to sell to tourists and townspeople. Her parents were very excited about crafts and were always looking for new ways to expand their offerings. One day, they noticed how beads were used in a nearby community. The women there were using seed beads to embellish their traditional clothing and to craft belts, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Rosario's parents thought it was a good idea to learn how to make these items to sell. It wasn't easy at first, but they were able to teach themselves the technique.

"We were new at this art form," Rosario's mother recalls. "We had to weave the fabrics and also learn to create pretty accessories." Eventually, Rosario also became interested in seed bead jewelry and began to learn the techniques.

"I'm very happy that our accessories are known for their quality," Rosario says. "My dream is to continue my parents' legacy. I want my two daughters to see that they need to work hard to get ahead.

"My brother Alvaro has been a great source of support for me and helped me develop a system so that the women who assist us can better understand the process. Once we develop our designs, we distribute the colorful bead to the artisans who collaborate with us.

"Thankfully, sales have been good and I've been able to teach others about this art. Today, I work with eight young women who work with beads and six men who join with the finished beaded leather panels.” "What I like most about my work is bringing people together and giving them the chance to work and earn money. Seeing the joy on on their faces is what motivates me to keep working."