House of Hammocks: Empowering Mayan Artisans As A Social Impact Entrepreneur

Born and raised in south Mexico, Josefina Urzaiz and her brother Constantino were enveloped in the Mayan way of life—a life that involved hammocks as more than just a comfortable place to unwind; hammocks became a staple, an integral part of Mayan homes, providing escape from the relentless sun during the day and night.

Fast forward, both siblings ventured off to the United States in pursuit of education. Josefina found herself navigating the world of finance and landed a job at JP Morgan Bank.

Constantino, on the other hand, was grappling with sleep troubles. A simple request for a hammock from home would set the wheels in motion for a new adventure that would drive Josefina to quit her job and invest in her brother’s big idea.

Constantino attempted to sell hammocks at a flea market, and the positive response laid the foundation for Cielo Hammocks. Constantino traveled back home to Mexico and got to work.

As Josefina witnessed her brother’s entrepreneurial journey unfold, she found herself at a career crossroads and desired a career that was more fulfilling than what she was doing.

Today, Josefina not only serves as the CFO of Cielo but also plays a pivotal role in the Cielo Foundation, driving social impact initiatives within Mayan communities. At the heart of their efforts lies the SHE Network (Sustainable Holistic Empowerment Network), a beacon for social entrepreneurship and positive change.

The Cielo Foundation acts as the catalyst for broader initiatives that improve living conditions for the weavers and their communities. The fully integrated model fosters a symbiotic relationship where everyone benefits from uplifted living standards.

The SHE Network extends beyond job creation to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the Mayan women, who form 90% of their network of weavers. By allowing these artisans to work from home, Cielo not only provides economic opportunities but also tackles issues such as illiteracy and language barriers, as many weavers speak only Mayan.

A pivotal moment in Cielo’s journey was a strategic partnership with Lowe’s, a move that paved the way for significant growth. It’s a collaboration that goes beyond business transactions, illustrating the power of purpose-driven partnerships.

When Lowe’s initially sought a massive order incompatible with the handmade craftsmanship of Mayan weavers, both parties navigated the challenge creatively, respecting the authenticity of the artisanal process.

“You gotta be quick to change.”

Lowe’s, looking to diversify its sourcing beyond China, found in Cielo not just a hammock supplier but a partner aligned with their vision. The partnership not only allowed Cielo to build a large factory warehouse, enhancing productivity and efficiency, but also became a model for working relationships between brands that respect the social impact framework.

What sets Cielo apart is not just their commitment to social responsibility but their official certification as a B Corp, making them the only hammock company in Mexico recognized by Sistema B. This dedication to ethical business practices has also earned them the “Best for the World” distinction for three consecutive years (2015-2017) for their outstanding community work.

Josefina’s journey reminds us that impactful businesses can be both profitable and socially responsible. The story of Cielo teaches us that a commitment to sustainability and holistic empowerment not only transforms lives but can also be a catalyst for industry-wide change.

In the end, it’s not just about the hammocks, it’s about the threads of change woven into the fabric of Mayan communities, one empowering stitch at a time.