“You can tell how unique each piece is, and that makes every item sold even more special.”
My Story
My dream to become a business owner started as a child. As a child, my grandmother, “Mamanita” and mother Vilma owned their own business’ a fruit cart outside my school. This gave me mixed feelings about my upbringing because I was teased for being the daughter of the “fruit ladies.”
As I grew older, I realized the privilege they had to be their own boss and although that didn’t equate to a lavish upbringing, we always had the necessities. My brothers, sister, and I learned how to work hard and to take pride in hard-earned money.
While attending elementary school in Nicaragua, I was introduced to the exotic country of Ecuador and it became an obsession. Thank you to my teachers Guadalupe, Jessy, and Pazita! Ecuador was all I could think about and I often daydreamed of the Andes mountains, hoping, that one day, I’d be able to explore the countries beautiful lands.
Fast-forward and I found myself marrying into an Ecuadorian family. Who knew I’d be so lucky? Through the culture and passion of my children’s’ father, Lino, I fell in love with “Tagua”. When Lino and I moved to Ecuador, I discovered the story and gift that God had given us through Mother Nature. As time went by, I found myself constantly gifting tagua jewelry, accessories, and figurines to friends and family. As my love for Tagua grew, I began to wonder if this material could provide for my family. It wasn’t until about 25 years late, that I took a chance and Ecugreen was founded. During the most trying times of my life, God opened up a door for me and I took a chance; opening up a shop in Downtown Ventura, California in 2017.
Three years later and I’ve never been happier. The opportunity to support my family through a product I believe in. Over the years, I’ve built relationships with artisans throughout Ecuador to create one-of-a-kind eco-friendly quality pieces. The artisans provide for their families through Ecugreen and we are blessed to develop a product that brings joy to our consumers.
Our goal is to educate consumers about the products we offer and as Ecugreen grows with the support of my family and friends, I hope to introduce you to the products that have given me so much.
Martha Cantos
Ecugreen is helping to end the animal ivory trade through fashion by using self-sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.
Products We Offer:
Jewelry made out of Vegetable Ivory, Seeds, Silver, Ostrich egg shell, Ceramic, and more.
Textiles: Panama Hats, Toquilla Straw Bags, Lounging Pants, Hammocks, Backpacks, Shoulder Bags, Purses, Scarves, T shirts, Ponchos Children’s Clothes, Blankets, Wool, Alpaca. Other Items: Ceramic, Wood, Canvas Painting, Shoes, and more…
