More than a hat brand
MAKIPALMATA represents a story of authenticity and artisanal mastery, woven with love and dedication in the heart of Ecuador, where nature comes to life, and the skilled hands of our artisans shape each of our hats.
OUR HERITAGE
Our mission is to preserve the ancestral craftsmanship of hat making and to share with the world the cultural wealth of Ecuador.
It comes from a word in Kichwa, Ecuador's second language, meaning "hand." It represents the skill and dexterity of our artisans, who create each hat with their expert hands.
It refers to the raw material we use for hats, toquilla straw, extracted from the region's palm trees.
OUR STORY
MakiPalmata was founded in 2021 by Glenda Betancourt and Tamara Rogouski, two women united by a shared vision to create a brand rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and purpose.
Born in Ecuador, Glenda grew up surrounded by the traditions of toquilla straw weaving, developing a deep respect for the ancestral knowledge of Ecuadorian artisans. Tamara, born in Argentina and a mother, brings a global perspective and a passion for building meaningful, timeless design.
Together, as founders and friends, they created MakiPalmata to honor the artistry of Ecuadorian women artisans while bringing their work to a global audience.
Each hat begins in Ecuador, where master weavers dedicate up to 40 hours to handcraft every piece using techniques passed down through generations. The designs are then carefully finished in our Miami atelier, blending heritage with modern refinement.
At MakiPalmata, we believe a handcrafted piece carries more than beauty — it carries identity, intention, and legacy. Our commitment to ethical production and artisanal excellence ensures every creation is made with purpose and designed to last.
Rooted in Ecuador. Refined for the world.
