Q + A with Mary from Mi Esperanza, an Ethical Brand in Honduras

Hi friends! One of my greatest passions in life is discovering the ways that we can make a difference with the way we spend our money. Our purchases have so much power behind them and I’m on a constant journey of discovering how I can best make a difference with what I buy. When I discovered that Mary, a fellow Mizzou grad, was going to be spending the summer in Honduras working with an ethical fashion company, I was thrilled. Today, I had the awesome pleasure of talking with Mary about Mi Esperanza, a socially-conscious fashion brand based in Honduras. With my passion for socially-conscious consumerism and love for Latin America, Mi Esperanza really does bring all of my passions into one place. How amazing, right? Mary is so passionate about Mi Esperanza and the Honduran women – it’s so inspiring to hear. Check out the interview below:

Q: Hi Mary! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background!

A: Hi, I’m Mary Wynn, a Midwestern girl who recently graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and an emphasis in strategic communications. I pursued a communications degree because I believe that effective communication is key in solving problems and learning from each other. I’ve always desired to work for an organization that provides opportunities for individuals to gain the freedom and dignity that comes from being able to financially support themselves and their families.

Q: What is a quote that you live by?

 A: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa

Q: How did you hear about the opportunity to work with Mi Esperanza?

A: I’ve traveled to Tegucigalpa numerous times over the years because my sister works for an organization here. I quickly fell in love with this place and its people but was able to recognize how much need there was in a city with a 60% unemployment rate. Every time I came to Tegucigalpa, I wondered and asked questions about what opportunities there were for women here. Clearly, there weren’t many, especially for women who didn’t have the opportunity to receive an education.

A few years ago, one of my sister’s co-workers brought us to Mi Esperanza. After walking around the production house and meeting some of Mi Esperanza’s women, I grew excited about what was happening here. Women at Mi Esperanza were given an opportunity to break out of the poverty they were stuck in.

So, at the beginning of this past year, I reached out to see if there was an opportunity to work here for a bit after my graduation.

Q: Tell us about the work that Mi Esperanza does:

A: Mi Esperanza’s mission is to educate and provide women with the opportunity to learn a skill. We offer four courses— computer skills, cosmetology, sewing and jewelry making. Through these courses, women gain the skills and confidence to find employment or become business owners through our micro-loan program.  With these opportunities, women can flourish. They are able to create a stable future for themselves and their children.

In addition to our classrooms and production house, Mi Esperanza has a shop full of accessories and home goods that are handmade by the women in our jewelry and sewing studios. 100% of the profits from all textile and jewelry sales in both this shop and our online shop go directly back into the organization.

Q: What inspires you most about the women you work with?

A: I am inspired by the drive of the women I work with. Many of them travel hours each day to get to and from work, returning home late where they still have to prepare food and take care of their families. This tenacious commitment to improve life for themselves and their families instills a desire in me to work harder in order to create the life I want for myself and to make others’ lives better.

Q: How has the transition been to living in Honduras?

A: I’ve spent time living abroad before, but I think the biggest difference with this experience is a lack of freedom. I can’t go many places alone for safety reasons. In the States, I’m used to hopping in my car and driving anywhere I need to go. I don’t have that freedom here. However, I wouldn’t change this aspect of my time here. It’s been a humbling experience to lose some control over my life, which reminds me that I am not always in control, and that’s OK.

Q: What impact do you see ethical fashion having in the world?

A: Everyone buys clothes and accessories to some extent. Many of us have the ability to use the money we spend on these products to make a positive social impact in the world, improving the lives of others. By supporting companies that provide job opportunities in safe environments with fair wages, we can change the world—making it a more adventitious place for all. Helping people out of generational poverty has a domino effect for years to come.

Thank you so much, Mary! It was so incredible to learn all about the powerful work that Mi Esperanza is doing. These women are amazing. I believe there is such a power we hold behind every single item we purchase, and especially after learning about companies like these, it is so real to see just how much of a reality that is – we see the exact women who are learning and perfecting their work for the items we can buy. You can follow along with all of the adventures in Honduras with Mi Mi Esperanza on their social media:  / Instagram / Website / Facebook /

Thank you all so much for reading! I would love it if you shared the love with Mi Esperanza.