About Us
We are a fair trade brand partnering with Indigenous Wayuu women artisans in La Guajira, Colombia. Every Lombia piece we offer is a blend of vibrant craftsmanship, modern design, and a commitment to slow, meaningful fashion. Together, we’re weaving a more vibrant and conscious world — one bag at a time.
The Wayuu & Their Sacred Tradition of Weaving
The Wayuu are an Indigenous, matriarchal group from La Guajira — a remote desert region in northern Colombia & Venezuela. Known for their strength, independence, and cultural resilience, they have preserved their language, traditions, and identity across generations.
Weaving is a sacred tradition among the Wayuu, practiced almost exclusively by women. It is passed down during el encierro — a rite of passage that begins with a girl’s first menstruation and may last from months to years. In this period of seclusion, a Wayuu learns to care for the home, honor her lineage, and master the art of crochet.
Each Wayuu bag is a reflection of this legacy. The intricate patterns, or kanaas, are visual stories — expressions of dreams, beliefs, and Wayuu cosmology. No two Wayuu bags are ever alike.
“To be a woman is to know how to weave.”
For the Wayuu, weaving is far more than craft — it is a symbol of womanhood, intelligence, and cultural pride. Every bag is a piece of living heritage.
Our Artisans
Lombia wouldn’t exist without the incredible women who bring each bag to life. We work directly with Wayuu artisans from rural communities across La Guajira — 95% of whom are women, most of whom have been weaving since childhood.
These artisans are the heart of what we do — skilled, dedicated, and deeply connected to their craft. Each bag takes 6–10 days to complete and is made entirely by hand using traditional crochet techniques passed down from mother to daughter.
We currently partner with over 150 women year-round, creating consistent year-round income and long-term opportunity through a model built on respect, trust, and collaboration.
Our Impact Story
At Lombia, we believe that when women thrive, communities do too.
We work hand-in-hand with over 150 Indigenous Wayuu women in La Guajira, Colombia, creating safe, dignified, and meaningful work rooted in cultural tradition. Together, we're building more than bags — we're building pathways to financial freedom, creative expression, and long-term impact.
🎨 Design With Purpose
We’re passionate about creating beautiful, modern pieces while honoring centuries-old Wayuu weaving traditions. These are not your typical market bags — every Lombia piece reflects intentional design, deep respect for craftsmanship, and a fresh take on heritage.
❤️ Supporting Community Growth
Financial knowledge is financial freedom.
We work with our artisan partners to set collective community goals each year — from improving access to clean water and sanitation, to supporting local education and sharing business know-how. It's not just about production; it's about shared progress.
🧵 Uncompromising Quality
We collaborate closely with Master Artisans who guide and mentor our network of over 150 women. Every bag is handcrafted with precision and inspected individually — ensuring that what you receive is not only beautiful, but made to last.
💛 A Fair Trade Commitment
Indigenous women are among the most economically vulnerable populations in Colombia. That’s why we pay 30% above the local market rate — valuing the time, artistry, and cultural heritage that go into every single piece. Fair trade isn’t a trend for us — it’s the foundation of our business.
Meet Isabel & Laura
We’re Isabel and Laura — two mom friends and the women behind Lombia.
Laura is Colombian, born and raised. Isabel is Filipina, and moved to Colombia in 2018 with her Colombian husband and young daughter. Though we come from different backgrounds and cultures, we connected through motherhood — and bonded over a shared love for Colombia, storytelling, and work with purpose.
With past careers in advertising and sales (and zero fashion experience!), we never imagined we’d one day be running a bag company. But after years of admiring the brand and the incredible purpose behind it, we decided to carry its mission forward.
In 2024, after 10 years of Lombia’s journey, we officially took the reins — committed to honoring the Wayuu culture and artisan partnerships that have always been at the heart of the company.
Today, we work side by side with over 150 Wayuu women across La Guajira to keep this craft alive, while building a business that balances design, impact, and family life. Lombia is not just a brand to us — it’s a celebration, it's empowerment.