On March 8, 2022, in celebration of International Women’s Day and Creamos’ tradition of challenging the status quo, the women of the Income Generating Department officially launched their own social business and brand called mi eelo. 

Creamos was founded in 2008 when a group of women from the community surrounding the Guatemala City garbage dump organized a small entrepreneurship initiative selling paper beaded jewelry made from upcycled materials. This alternative income allowed them to leave behind dangerous work in the garbage dump for good, building the foundation for the mission that Creamos would eventually become. As the organization grew to incorporate a variety of service areas, this group of entrepreneurs formally became known as the Income Generating Department.

Over the years, these women expanded their production beyond jewelry to incorporate upcycled home goods, and began making custom products, such as bowties and woven baskets, for several third party clients. A donation of sewing machines paved the way for a whole new set of skills and capacity to tap into a niche market – custom packaging bags for socially-minded businesses - which has grown into a fundamental pillar of the department. Armed with everything they learned since founding Creamos, these women artisans turned the page to new chapter by officially establishing the Creamos’ social brand and business: mi eelo.

Mi eelo is a 100% women-run social impact business within the Creamos network that creates ethical essentials through an honest and environmentally-conscious process. With creativity and collaboration at its core, mi eelo products are a reflection of the artisans’ vision for the future – minimizing waste and prioritizing the dignity of people.

All profits are reinvested in Creamos’ programs so that opportunities for safe employment can become a reality for even more women.

Branded Products

Mi eelo products are co-designed and co-created among the team of artisans using upcycled materials and honest processes.

Custom Packaging

From totes to drawstring backpacks to bags for products like shoes, jewelry, bowties or kitchen utensils, all orders are completely customizable in size, style, and screenprint design. Mi eelo artisans work with a variety of canvas materials, from traditional canvas to upcycled fabric from the New Denim Project, as well as utilize custom fabrics. 

Wholesale

Mi eelo products are available for wholesale purchase in orders of 50+ units. All products are handmade by the mi eelo seamstresses using upcycled materials.

Private Label Manufacturing

Mi eelo creates private label merchandise for a variety of products, including fanny packs, pencil cases, t-shirts, aprons, placemats, napkins, and more. All products are created by hand using ethically-sourced materials and customizable with your logo or design.