About Us

Calypso Chile is a family crafts workshop located in the neighborhood of La Reina, Santiago de Chile, South America. Dedicated to the creation, production and export of our own crafts mainly in fused glass and enamelled copper.

Our home is our workshop and our workshop is our home, where Fair Trade is lived and practiced as a way of life, with our four children.

We are more than a group of artisans that since 1994 have been working hard closely to reach sustainability, freedom and rights. Working hand by hand in a supportive, equitable and dignifying way, looking always for a better life expectancy, committed with mutual respect and collaboration. And being proud to use recycled and recyclable products that are eco-friendly.

We want: that the supply of exportable handicrafts under the concept of Fair Trade in Chile, has the opportunity to directly reach potential buyers, developing since the beginning of the chain, a fair and transparent participation A better future is possible if we believe in the next ancient proverb, “Give someone fish and feed him for one day , teach the person to fish … you feed him for life time”

We will be pleased to answer any questions you may have, please email us to calypsochile@calypsochile.com .

Concept

Our concept of work is a way of life where perseverance, awareness, knowledge and delivery of daily efforts are part of our struggle for daily bread, without such activities and attributes it would be impossible to achieve an improved future development.

Fair Trade Promotion

Through our history and presentation at international fairs, we promote the respect for people as basic principle for our concept of work. Always trying to bring work back to our country and contribute with our little grain of sand.

Creating social awareness for decent work.

We mainly sell our products to Fair Trade members, and also to clients that are not fair trade which we make aware of this increasing tendency, in order to enhance social development and spread opportunities to grow.

Living in a developing country is hard, we face a series of challenges in conjunction with our helpers who feel part of the Calypso Chile family, this encourages us to continue working for a better future for all, and makes us feel proud to be Chileans.

10 Fair Trade Standars

1.-CreateOpportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers 
2.-Transparency and Accountability 
3.-Trading Practices 
4.-Payment of a Fair Price 
5.-Non -Child Labour and Forced Labour 
6.-Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association 
7.-Safe Working Conditions
8.-Capacity Building
9.-Promotion of Fair Trade
10.-Protect Environment

I have worked for six years in Calypso, in charged of the national and international sales. Also in the workshop in the production process. It has been a very interesting work, everyday is different, you can always learn new things. the work environment is very comforting. And is always trying to grow to open the horizons of the Calypso family.

Natalia Fierro, 21 January 2011

I have been working in Calypso since 1997, and I started taking care of the two girls of the family, now I am in charge of the production and delivery, a great responsibility but I haven’t had a problem until today. I love my job. It has given me the chance to develop my management skills.  I hope that we continue moving forward, I am proud of our team and myself.

Rosa Martinez, 21 January 2011

I started looking after the little girls until they were grown up, then I moved to the workshop and learned how to do necklaces. I have worked for 20 years in Calypso. I have two children and a granddaughter. Unfortunately , for a medical malpractice my son is now quadriplegic, and thanks to the support of Marcela and Oscar me and my family have been able to overcome this situation and face this unexpected reality. I feel very comfortable with my job here in the workshop-house of Calypso.

Sonia Casas, 21 January 2011

The workshop is a place where I feel fine with myself. Because I love drawing and painting every product that passes through my hands. Everything I have learned about crafts, I have learned it here. This is why I like when  people appreciate my work. It is beautiful to work with glass and copper. My partners at work are very kind, this way, everything is much nicer.

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Ingrid Barrera, 27 January 2011