What is NicaMade?
NicaMade is a business begun by FH/Nicaragua staff Shannon Ahern (right) to help Nicaraguan families earn a "livable income" by working with others in their community to produce and sell quality products throughout the world using Christian business practices.

While every community has resources and talent, what they often do not know is what they can produce at a profit, and how to finance and market these products. NicaMade partners with communities where FH/Nicaragua and the Nehemiah Center are working in order to provide guidance and resources, including workshops addressing such topics as Christian business principles, the importance of savings, and technical skill development.

Who are NicaMade's Partners?

Cafe San Juan, Boaco:
The Nehemiah Center has been involved in the mountainous region of Boaco for years in the area of community health evangelism. In these mountains there are over 180 small organic coffee farmers who have formed the San Isidro Cooperative to improve the quality, production, and marketing of their coffee beans. NicaMade currently sells the coffee from San Juan, one of the communities where 40 of these farmers live, including Don Chico, pictured here.

Verbo Church, Santa Maria
The members of the Verbo church in Santa Maria have struggled to feed their families, so the pastor has sought out ways to increase their income. They have chosen to grow hibiscus plants and sell the flowers, which can be used to make a delicious, fruity drink. NicaMade's goal is to grow the market for the Rosa de Jamaica both in Nicaragua and North America.

ArtePintura, Managua
Formed by Nicaraguan Christian artist and musician Jairo Ampie, ArtePintura brings free art and music classes to poor neighborhoods in Managua and small surrounding communities. Jairo and his team of volunteer teachers teach approximately 100 students in local schools and churches; several of these students have won awards for their art. Occasionally ArtePintura receives small grants from local businesses or foundations, but the majority of the work is funded through the sale of artwork created by Jairo and his teachers. NicaMade's sales of their handpainted cards enable ArtePintura to buy art supplies and instruments for their classes.

Familias de Fe y Esperanza, Santa Maria:
Approximately 40 families in this community, created to house the survivors of the 1998 Casitas mudslide, are participating in the development of a variety of embroidered products, including Christmas ornaments, handbags, bookcovers, and coffee bags. Families that formerly could not send their children to school are now saving instead of relying on local moneylenders, and tithing regularly in their local churches.

Potters of El Ojoche
For generations, residents of this tiny village near the Honduran border have been making pottery from the plentiful clay that surrounds them, but lacked a market for their pots, chickens, and other creative designs. NicaMade now partners with a small cooperative of women in the area to raise interest and support for their work through sales of this unique pottery.

Pueblos de Las Montanas and Wings of Angels
Experienced metal artists Jader and Carla of Wings of Angels have partnered with NicaMade to help develop the skills of small communities near Boaco, who are now selling cards, keychains, wallhangers, and boxes featuring handpainted metal artwork. At left, Carla (left) and a community member admire the results of their work.