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ATELIER AVANZAR is a social enterprise that has been in existence in Ecuador since 2009. It helps socially disadvantaged women to lead an independent life that is as financially independent as possible through the targeted teaching of practical knowledge. Our women artisans strive to make a better life for themselves and their families. They want to actively participate in the economy and be able to determine their own lives.

We create high quality handmade products with charming patterns and intricate design. Our products are not only made in small batches in ateliers, they are also manufactured under carefully audited ethical production conditions. The goal of the ATELIER is economic and social business success. All bags are made with love, great dedication and a good portion of hope for a better future.

Design is one side of creation, the other is execution, and this is where our talented women bring their years of experience in weaving and crochet to the process. With great expertise and high accuracy, they turn the designs into perfection. Finishing with leather adds to the complexity of the entire process, as the combination of flexible yarn and rigid leather places high demands on the craft. The work is coordinated by the head of the ATELIER, who closely monitors the work that is sent back and forth between the ATELIER and the leather finishing department. This is how we manage to achieve our high quality standards.

In addition to our design team in Ecuador, Atelier Avanzar has been supported since its inception by creative, generous and talented designers such as Florence Bachofen-Székely, Susi Riz, Susi Prinz and Rejane Rosenberger.

We are very grateful to all of them, because each and every one of them has shaped what Avanzar is today and helped ATELIER to become even more up-to-date, successful and professional.

Muchas gracias!!!

Behind the label ATELIER AVANZAR is the charitable foundation FUNDACION AVANZAR, which was originally founded by Margarita Heredia Forster in Zurich in 1999 with the aim of supporting socially disadvantaged single mothers and sick children in Ecuador. Over the past 24 years, the foundation's programs have gradually become more diverse, as education and training are ultimately the keys to economic independence. In addition to ATELIER AVANZAR , in cooperation with three universities, carefully selected women are given the tools to set up small businesses and thus create a life of economic independence for themselves and other women in their community.

More information about the foundation can be found at www.fundacion-avanzar.com