Maker Stories: Etkie - Preserving Cultural Heritage in New Mexico

by Arcelya Morales April 13, 2016

One in four American Indians in New Mexico are living below the poverty line, according to a 2012 report from New Mexico Voices for Children. 

With many women either unemployed or underemployed in the American Southwest, opportunities for lifting families out of poverty appear to be few and far between.  But with a culture steeped in tradition and artistry, American Indian tribes, for generations, have been influential in passing down and preserving their cultural heritage for their children. 

It’s this cultural heritage that drove Sydney Alfonso to launch Etkie.

Sydney Alfonso, CEO of Etkie saw an opportunity to build an ethical business model around the talents of women living in the American Indian community. At the same time she saw an opportunity to deliver an upscale brand of contemporary jewelry to the mass market.

Not only does supporting Etkie go a long way toward empowering American Indian artisans, but the level of detail and workmanship is evident in each one-of-a-kind piece, which can take up to eight hours to produce. It’s no wonder Etkie is turning heads around the world. 

It’s precisely this reason that FGS&Co. is excited to carry the Etkie Collection. Not only do we value the level of detail and artistry involved in producing these beautifully designed accessories, but we also support Etkie’s vision. We believe in Sydney’s mission to help American Indians earn a living wage while supporting their rich cultural heritage.

FGS&Co. is giving people like you the power to give back to the community at every level, every day. It’s with your support that brands like Etkie have been so influential in improving our community.

Are you interested in seeing more of our beautiful collection?

Visit our Etkie Collection >

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