Our Story

Michelle Lorduy-Levy, founder of Calixto Trading Co., merges her passions as a visual artist and early childhood education teacher with her love for Colombian textiles. Inspired by her roots and a transformative visit to Colombia in 2022, Michelle embarked on a journey to design and curate artisanal textile products in Portland, Oregon. Calixto Trading Co. stands as a testament to Michelle's commitment to showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of Colombian craftsmanship, particularly from Los Montes de Maria.

Driven by a deep-rooted desire to support local artisans, Calixto Trading Co. aims to preserve and promote Colombia's weaving traditions. Our vision extends beyond commerce; we seek to foster sustainable development in Los Montes de Maria by empowering artisans and facilitating access to education and resources.

Through our business, we honor generations of skilled craftspersons who have created textiles and bags with dedication and expertise.

“Things have a life of their own… It’s simply a matter of waking up their souls.”

–Gabriel Garcia Marquez,
100 Years
of Solitude.