01/02/2026
Some Peruvian made pieces created by a friend I met while in Iquitos, Freddy! We spent some lovely time there with him and had the opportunity to go to his house and see some of his personal creations he had made. We spent much time together discussing medicines as well as art. I shared pictures of many pieces I have made and in return he was able to show me the many pieces of art he has created! He was very excited for the opportunity to show me a range of Kuripes he had handmade himself with the use of different woods, stones, metal work, and Grandmother vine.
So, here are some handmade pieces made by Freddy and I am very excited to be able to support him and now share them with you too! When I told him I wanted to purchase his entire lot from him his face lit up in gratitude... with that money he was able to pay for his phone to be fixed (a big problem he was having) and provide money for his family for supplies, food, bills, etc. There was endless gratitude shared between the both of us before my departure. I hope to continue to support Freddy and his art! As well as the continued support of any other Peruvian artists, like Freddy, who I have the pleasure of befriending and getting to know when I take these special trips down South.
I share this story to give perspective on how these purchases help support real people and communities down in South America and even Central America. These are real relationships formed between me and the many amazing people, artists, and families I come across and am able to collaborate with. People like Freddy make My Medicine Bag possible. They support me and simultaneously I am able to support them... and through that- support you too. It is a full circle experience filled with much reciprocity. These are things I personally value highly and will always stand behind.
So, much of the money made by My Medicine Bag goes back to these communities... all the time. To Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Guatemala. My Medicine Bag lives because of the reciprocity that exists within it. The contributions made leave impact! I see it first hand every single trip I take.
It is truly an honor to be a bridge between so many amazing people and artists all over the world and the Western world. It wouldn't be possible without those of us who do act as bridges. We too commit a lot of time, energy, resources, and money to being that bridge. Every item you see that is brought in from South or Central America is hand picked while real friendships and relationships are being made. It is then packed tightly and safely into bags to be carried and to travel with us through airports customs so this could all be possible. All of this is taken into consideration when these trips are made- having enough space for items, sometimes needing to purchase new bags, covering cost of checked bags, risking customs confiscating things for god- knows-what reason, items being lost or damaged in transit, and the list goes on.
However, we do this because we love it an we are honored to be able to do it and contribute. Especially when so many of these communities have offered so much to us through their teachings and healing and ceremonies. This is one of the many ways we are able to give back.... to give gratitude in form of energy/money. And to be able to do it on a wider scale and support more people. It is amazing really... the way this work has benefited so many.
So, while we aren't rich and making loads of money off of this- which isn't our intention anyway- we are extremely prosperous in many other ways because of the rich relationships we have and continue to build with so many, as well as the gratitude that pours endlessly from our hearts.
So, from my heart to yours.... I want to thank you for supporting our work here at My Medicine Bag. It makes a bigger difference to so many than you may realize.
