Small business bringing Indigenous heritage to the season

AS the Christmas season unfolds, the bustling craft shops of Guyana come alive with intricate designs and the promise of meaningful gifts. At the heart of this festive spirit is Unique Amerindian Handicrafts, a family-run business from Santa Aratack Mission, Region Three. Led by the skilled hands and passionate heart of Mayleen Patterson, the shop offers handcrafted treasures.

Speaking to Pepperpot Magazine while advertising her business at Main Street’s Christmas Village, Mayleen shared that aside from September, Christmas is the season when people seek out unique, handmade gifts.

“This time of year is always special for us,” Mayleen shared. “For Christmas, you find people coming to buy gifts—things they want to take back to their hometowns or to share with loved ones. It’s a season of giving, and our products carry a little piece of our culture with them,” she said.

Unique Amerindian Handicrafts specialises in multi-purpose items made from the Ipe palm, a tree native to Guyana’s swampy savannahs. The meticulous crafting process reflects the care and dedication Mayleen and her family pour into their work.

“The first step is going into the savannah to get the fibre,” Mayleen explained. “It has to be stripped, boiled, and then we wait on the weather to get a good colour, like the white. After that, we dye it to create all these vibrant colours,” she explained.

From jewellery boxes to decorative fans, each item is designed to serve as both a practical tool and a meaningful keepsake.
“These products are all multi-purpose,” she added, referring to a delicate jewellery box. “You can use it as décor or for storing treasures. And for Christmas, they make perfect gifts.”
For Mayleen, the story of Unique Amerindian Handicrafts is deeply tied to her family, with the craft being a way of life.

“I was born into this. My mum and dad did this so we could have a good education. Through their hard work, I got my primary, secondary, and even tertiary education,” she shared.
This family legacy continues to thrive, especially during the holidays.

“My father and mother are still a part of the business. They’re here with me, keeping the tradition alive,” she said.
The business also connects with suppliers from various regions to create its unique products.

“We have materials coming from different regions around Guyana. This time of year, everyone works together to meet the Christmas demand,” she said.
Christmas has always been an exciting season for Unique Amerindian Handicrafts. Over the years, Mayleen has seen how the holiday spirit drives interest in her work, with people taking a special interest in unique items during the festive season.

“We used to walk around looking for a place to sell our crafts. Then, someone gave my mum space to stay for a week, and from there, we grew. We even received a grant through the small business group, which helped us build our own craft shop,” she recalled.
Now, the business has grown beyond its humble beginnings.

“We have our main shop in Santa Aratack, but we also have locations in Georgetown,” she said.
For Mayleen, the Christmas season brings more than just sales—it brings opportunities to educate people about her culture.
“A lot of customers don’t realise that our materials come from the Ipe palm and the process behind it. When we explain it, they’re even more interested. It makes our work feel appreciated,” she said.

Handmade gifts carry a unique charm during the holidays, and Mayleen’s products are no exception. Customers are drawn to the care and tradition behind each piece, making them cherished items for the season of giving.
“For Christmas, people are always looking for something special—something with meaning,” Mayleen said. “Our crafts are more than just items; they’re a way to share our culture and heritage.”
A deep sense of pride and gratitude fuels the holiday rush at Unique Amerindian Handicrafts.

“Christmas is a time for family and giving, and that’s what our business is all about,” she said. “It’s about sharing what we love with others.”
As the business continues to grow, Mayleen remains committed to her mission of preserving her culture and traditions.
“We have a very rich culture here,” she said. “It’s something I want to preserve for generations to come,” she added.

For Mayleen and her family, Christmas is not just about sales; it’s about creating connections. Each handcrafted item represents a piece of their story, making it a gift that truly comes from the heart.

This holiday season, Unique Amerindian Handicrafts reminds us that the best gifts are those that carry meaning and tradition. Through their work, Mayleen and her family keep the spirit of Christmas alive—one handmade treasure at a time.