Who am I?

My name is Mark Spivey and since 1989 my company is Shanti Imports, but I’ve been importing crafts since 1973. I do retail & wholesale of handmade Arts & Crafts, primarily from Guatemala, but also Asia; mainly accessories such as Coin Purses, Handbags and Purses, Wallets, Hats, Jewelry and Crafts. We also offer finer Native Textiles such as those used by the Mayans and Laotians, and because our emphasis is on indigenous designs most of our accessory items have an ethnic look. This is a way to support the culture of whatever people I am working with, rather than having them use Western motifs. The Maya people carry on the world’s most colorful weaving tradition in the widest variety of styles. While commercialism has cheapened the quality of Mayan goods sold abroad, our goal is to maintain as good a quality as possible at reasonable prices, while helping the artisans themselves to attain a higher quality lifestyle than they previously knew. For handicrafts to continue, craftsmen must be recognized and rewarded accordingly. We practice business ethics that help everyone involved to advance equally rather than merely enriching ourselves. In 1990 I started a “Map Project”, whose goal is to donate & maintain map collections for disadvantaged schools. Our effort is to give back to the whole community in an area rather than the craftsmen or vendors alone. Minimum wholesale order is $100.00 ($50.00 if for hacky sacks & certain items). Orders shipped next day USPS. Payment by check is preferable; NET 30 may be extended once credit is established. The website is (barely) functional but you may look to get an idea of what we sell. Until site is more developed orders must be made by telephone or email. Unsold items may be returned for credit on new goods. Clients in AR/ AZ/ CO/ KS/ NM/ OK/ TX/ UT may receive visits occasionally as we make the rounds more often in these states & sometimes travel coast to coast. Thanks for your attention. Sincerely, Mark Spivey AKA Marcos