Business Details
Handcrafted Textiles from Mexico & Central America
Lobos Del Mar was founded to bridge the gap between consumers and the profound cultural heritage embedded in handcrafted textiles. We collaborate directly with indigenous artisans across Mexico and Central America, preserving centuries-old techniques while promoting sustainable practices. Our collections feature garments, accessories, and art pieces made from natural fibers, each reflecting the stories and traditions of the communities that create them.By prioritizing fair trade principles, we ensure artisans receive equitable compensation while educating customers about the impact of conscious consumerism. Our Ventura-based store serves as both a retail space and a cultural hub, fostering connections between global craftsmanship and local communities.
Services
Handwoven Garments
Artisan Bags & Accessories
Sandals & Footwear
Folk Art & Rugs
Textile Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We partner directly with indigenous artisans for authentic craftsmanship
- Our products use natural, eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices
- Each item preserves centuries-old cultural traditions and storytelling
- We promote fair trade principles and equitable compensation for artisans
- Our Ventura store serves as a cultural bridge between artisans and customers
What people say
More compliments than any clothes
Beautiful artisan goods for good cause
Quality and beauty combined
Perfect fit for all-day comfort
Thoughtfully sourced items
Services
Handwoven Garments
Our handwoven garments combine traditional Zapotec techniques with modern designs. Each piece uses natural fibers dyed with organic pigments, ensuring durability and comfort while preserving cultural heritage. These garments represent centuries of artisan expertise from Oaxacan weaving communities.
Artisan Sandals
Handcrafted sandals merge Mexican leather traditions with all-terrain durability. Made from recycled nylon and leather, these unisex designs balance style and functionality for both casual and adventurous wear while supporting artisan families in Michoacn.
Folk Art Rugs
Zapotec wool rugs feature intricate patterns dyed with natural pigments like cochineal and indigo. Each piece embodies regional symbolism and centuries-old weaving techniques, directly supporting rug-making communities in Teotitln del Valle.
Embroidery Workshops
Cultural workshops teach traditional embroidery techniques passed through generations. Participants learn from master artisans like Rocio Gomez, gaining hands-on experience with Oaxacan stitching patterns and natural dye processes.
Festival Booths
We showcase products at major festivals across California and Colorado, including Cali Roots and RockyGrass. These events allow direct interaction between artisans and customers, fostering cultural exchange and supporting live music communities.
People
Curt Ebner
Co-Founder
Curt co-founded Lobos Del Mar after decades of cultural immersion in Oaxacan communities. His background in eco-tourism led to collaborations with artisan families, creating sustainable partnerships that now define the company's operations.
Anabel Lorenzo Mendoza
Logistics Coordinator
Anabel manages production and shipping for over 20 Oaxacan families. Her expertise in traditional weaving and organizational skills ensure smooth operations between artisans and the Ventura store, maintaining quality and cultural integrity.
Celestino Lorenzo Martinez
Master Rug Weaver
Celestino creates award-winning wool rugs using natural dyes in Teotitln del Valle. His work preserves Zapotec symbolism while innovating contemporary designs, ensuring traditional techniques thrive in modern markets.
Victoria Martinez Velasco
Textile Designer
Victoria leads a family workshop creating hand-crocheted manta cotton clothing. Her designs blend Zapotec heritage with modern aesthetics, while connecting Lobos Del Mar to broader artisan networks across Oaxaca Valley.
Rocio Gomez
Embroidery Artist
Rocio mastered traditional Oaxacan embroidery from her grandmother. She and her husband produce intricate garments that maintain generational techniques, teaching younger artisans while expanding the craft's commercial viability.
Questions
What materials do you use in your products?
We use natural fibers like wool, cotton, and manta cloth with organic dyes from plants and insects. Our jewelry incorporates recycled materials and traditional metals.
How do you support artisan communities?
We pay fair trade prices directly to artisans, maintain long-term partnerships, and reinvest profits into community development projects like education and infrastructure.
Are your products machine washable?
Most garments require delicate washing and line drying to preserve handcrafted quality. Specific care instructions accompany each product.
Do you offer custom orders?
We collaborate with artisans on special requests when possible. Contact us directly to discuss custom designs or specific size requirements.
How can I see products in person?
Visit our Ventura store or find us at major festivals like Cali Roots and RockyGrass. Check our website for current event locations and dates.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We prioritize eco-friendly materials, natural dyes, and zero-waste production methods while supporting carbon-neutral shipping and packaging practices.
Reviews (6)
Daniel Morales
Jan 12, 2022
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Great shop and owners, Love my poncho! Such a cool collection of clothes and other goods. They accept online orders as well, which is very convenient. Thanks so much!
Carol
Jan 01, 2022
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What a treasure this store is! The owners have done an incredible job of making the store feel as if you are in Mexico! Every item in the store has been hand selected from the talented Mexicans. I love that it is fair trade. The owners have personal relationships with all of the artists. I have bought several items from the store and have found the quality to be very impressive. I could visit the store frequently if I lived closer. I love the feeling of being in Mexico in Nevada City. Kudos to the hard work that the owners have done with their love of community!
Pamela Grant
Jan 01, 2022
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Oh my I cant say enough about this store! Not only is it arranged beautifully but so many unique gifts. Extremely knowledgeable and really friendly staff that made me feel comfortable, safe and welcomed. I also learned that I am supporting artisans that make these unique objects of art from clothing to pottery to jewelry. I will be back again and again!!
Shanna Worsham
Dec 26, 2021
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Such wonderful items that are thoughtfully sourced! The owners are so lovely and truly care about the communities that theyre involved with. Couldnt recommend shopping here more! Im also glad theyre taking the precautions with COVID seriously. Its a way to make everyone feel safer while getting back to daily life
Jenny Bertolini
Dec 25, 2021
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I love this store . The personal care that goes into absolutely every detail is amazing . The friendly staff that so graciously shared the stories of the people that make the art made my experience an educational experience as well as rewarding me with pieces that I will treasure for years to come .
Danielle Ciffone
Dec 23, 2021
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Love this place! The owners and workers are always very welcoming and kind. The products are all beautifully handmade and I love that they share the stories of the people who made the items. The store environment is laid back and gives you a positive mood.
