Celebrating Community and Creativity: Wearsos at the CATIE International Fair

Wearsos had the honor of participating in the International Fair at CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) in Turrialba, Costa Rica. This event brings together organizations, entrepreneurs, and artisans from across the region to showcase their work and collective impact, fostering community connections, promoting sustainable practices, and driving economic growth within the local and international spheres.

Showcasing Upcycling and Sustainability

The CATIE Feria provided us with a unique platform to present our upcycled products, crafted from innovative materials like retired Southwest Airlines aircraft seat leather and pineapple leather. It was an opportunity to engage directly with the community and share our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Visitors were especially captivated by our live hand-painting demonstrations, led by our talented artisan, Karolina. Her artistry gave attendees a firsthand look at the craftsmanship and dedication that define each Wearsos upcycled product. 

Empowering Through Education and Craft

One of the highlights of our participation was the distribution of Wearsos’ flag kits. This project was particularly close to our hearts, as it symbolized the power of education and creativity. Just days before the Feria, our interns, guided by our experienced artisans, learned to sew for the first time. Together, they created around 100 flags for Costa Rica’s Independence Day, using leather remnants that couldn’t be used in our other products. These flags were distributed to children at the Feria, each accompanied by a card explaining our upcycling philosophy. This initiative underscored our belief that every piece of material, much like every person, holds the potential to become something beautiful and meaningful.

Recognizing Local Talent

The Feria also highlighted the incredible talent within our local community. For us, it is important to recognize and celebrate the artistic vision and craftsmanship found in our own backyard. Our artisans are not just producers; they are artists who pour their unique talents into every piece they create.

Giving Back to Our Community

In the spirit of community engagement, we also decided to raffle a hand-painted tote bag featuring a traditional Costa Rican pattern that reflects our cultural roots. This raffle was one of the highlights of our participation and a way to give back to the supporters who have been with us on this journey. If you’re reading this before September 15, 2024, there’s still time to enter! Visit our Instagram page (@wearsos.co) and follow the instructions on the third image of our post.

Looking Ahead

Participating in the CATIE Feria was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. For us, it was a chance to reconnect with our roots, showcase our collective talents, and lay the groundwork for future partnerships that will continue to drive sustainable and empowering change. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our work with the community and look forward to building on these connections in the years to come.

Thank you for being a part of the Wearsos community.