Marketing and Operations Intern in Guatemala
Hiptipico —
Westwood, NJ
About Hiptipico:
Hiptipico's initiative creates a sustainable avenue for local artisans to sell their unique handmade items to a larger global market. Hiptipico strives to find the highest quality items and provide them at a reasonable price for the consumer while providing a steady income for local businesses and their families. Working directly with multiple vendors, cooperatives, and families in Guatemala, Hiptipico cultivates relationships and directly provides additional revenue into the local economy.
The Hiptipico brand fosters an environment for socially responsible consumers who are seeking an alternative to mass-produced and copied designs. Every single Hiptipico item is 100% authentic and is ethically produced.
About the Founder:
Philanthropist and international development specialist, Alyssa McGarry traveled all around the world and studied economic development before starting her brand, Hiptipico. Alyssa lived in Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guatemala; volunteered in Nicaragua, Jamaica and Abu Dhabi; and traveled extensively throughout Peru, Honduras, and Dubai.
In 2010, Alyssa earned her Master's Degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and completed her field research analyzing sustainable development initiatives in the Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands.
After completing her M.A., Alyssa worked for Pencils of Promise in Panajachel, Guatemala and helped to increase educational opportunities for rural communities. Having spent most of her time visiting schools and families in remote villages, Alyssa chose to embed these experiences into the soul of creating her company Hiptipico.
While Alyssa was in the highlands of Guatemala for 9 months she became fascinated with the love and craftsmanship each local artisan poured into their wares, especially bags and apparel. As she came to further appreciate the quality and uniqueness of each handcrafted item, the dual issues of how to share these items with the world and how to economically support this beautiful community joined as one and gave rise to the birth of Hiptipico. Today, Alyssa is thrilled to share these handmade crafts, each one completely unique, with grateful consumers while simultaneously developing a tight-knit network of Mayan artists and local street vendors who are enthusiastic to be a part of Hiptipico.
Job Description: Hiptipico is looking for an intern to help expand its operations and increase efficiency in Guatemala. This internship will focus on international business practices and global fashion fair trade. This person will work directly with, Hiptipico founder and tasks include but are not limited to: social media management, photography, website updates, inventory supervision, artisan interviews, boutique outreach, blog writing and accounting. The Hiptipico intern will help launch our new program to help the children of our Mayan artisans get a high-quality education.
