Featuring Teresa Perez, Miriam Novichoc and Delfina Par
September 2023
Casa Flor Ixcaco, a weaving cooperative in San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala, represents the very best of their region and their culture. That representation is embodied in three key women who have established and led the work of Casa Flor – Teresa Ujpan Perez, Miriam Novichoc, and Delfina Par.
The vision for Casa Flor Ixcaco began in 1950, when Teresa was just seven years old. She had a keen interest in back-strap weaving. She moved to the coast to work as cotton picked. But through that work she learned much about the cotton plant and its cultivation.
After marrying and starting a family, she returned to her weaving loom to provide financial support for her family. She eventually formed her own group of weaving women to generate a more substantial income for each of them.
In 1984, Teresa learned how to spin cotton, and in 1996 she began organizing the weaving group with the goal of commercializing their own handmade products. In 2009, the market for these products had grown, and the women decided to weave exclusively with organic cotton, planting their own cotton just outside of town in the mountains.
Even after Teresa passed away a few years ago, her entrepreneurship continued through the work of the weavers that she taught and mentored in her craft. Her key mentees were her daughter Miriam and her daughter-in-law Delfina.
Miriam, a creative and smart business woman, helped develop Casa Flor into what it is today. She continues to support her community not only through Casa Flor but also by establishing Licor Marón – a chocolate business with a cafe, restaurant, and shop.
Delfina now leads Casa Flor’s cooperative of 38 women and their families. Her exceptional entrepreneurial and management skills as well as her own remarkable weaving have broadened the products and impact of Casa Flor.
Casa Flor is dedicated to producing handcrafted woven items created in the most natural way possible to share with the community and the world. G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice is pleased to provide a range of Casa Flor handmade goods through our GLBL MRKT.
G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice also welcomes Miriam and Delfina to Colorado during the month of September. We will be featuring them at our monthly Cultural Tea, Coffee in the Conservatory, and other special events that will highlight their work through Casa Flor Ixcaco.