"I once heard the analogy that a small business is like a baby—you must nurture and care for it during its most vulnerable years, raising it in the best possible way so that it grows strong and prosperous. That message resonated deeply with me, reminding me of how my grandmother, mother, and sisters have used the rebozo, a garment with a far more creative and meaningful purpose than simply covering one’s head for religious reasons, as we once believed.
Beyond being a magnificent artisanal craft, often created by entrepreneurial women, the rebozo is also an instrument that binds the hearts of parents and children from the very first days of life. While this may sound poetic, research now confirms that carrying babies in a rebozo provides numerous benefits for both infants and parents.
More than just a covering or a source of warmth, the rebozo cradles and supports newborns in their mothers’ arms. It eases the burden of rural women who walk long distances to transport heavy goods to their homes or markets. It can be draped around the waist, wrapped over the shoulders, or styled in countless ways—always with an unexpected grace and aesthetic beauty that has inspired poets and composers alike.
Although the rebozo is intrinsically Mexican, its origins continue to be a topic of debate, tracing back centuries. Yet one thing is certain: history has made it more than just an accessory. It is the result of a convergence of eras, cultures, and pivotal moments that shaped modern Mexico. Through the rebozo, Mexican women found their social and cultural identity during the process of mestizaje (cultural blending)."
- Founder + CEO, Clarita Hidalgo de Portillo
Michoacana, Mexicana
