Supporting Artisans & Preserving Heritage
Our mission is to celebrate Guatemala’s rich artisanal heritage and support the artisans who continue these traditions. We work directly with skilled artisans to create and curate collections that bring traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design together. Through these collaborations, we aim to help preserve techniques passed down through generations and carry them forward into the future.
The Meaning Behind Sendero
The word Sendero means “trail” in Spanish, symbolizing a journey, one that connects Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage with homes around the world. It represents a path of discovery, a bridge between past and present, and a way forward for artisanal traditions to thrive. Through Sendero Decor, customers become part of this journey, helping sustain and celebrate handmade craftsmanship.
The Story Behind
Sendero Decor
Hello, I’m Carol Leon, a Guatemalan-Canadian multidisciplinary artist and the founder and creative director of Sendero Decor.
My artistic practice explores material, cultural heritage, and the preservation of specialized craft traditions. Sendero Decor grew from these interests and from my desire to create a meaningful connection between contemporary design and the artisans whose knowledge has been carried through generations.
I was born in Guatemala, surrounded by a culture rich in colour, history, and craftsmanship. As a child, I was especially drawn to the pottery found in local markets, the small vessels, figures, and everyday objects shaped by hand, each with its own character.
That connection became more personal when I learned about my great-grandfather Matias., a gifted potter who created vessels, decorative objects, and nativity scenes. His techniques were never passed down and, over time, that knowledge was lost. His story made me more aware of how easily a craft can disappear when there is no opportunity for it to continue.
I founded Sendero Decor as a way to honour that history while supporting the artisans carrying these traditions forward today. Some collections are carefully curated from existing artisan work, while others, including the Journey Collection, begin through my own artistic concepts, sketches, and design development before being handcrafted in collaboration with artisans in Guatemala.
To see more of my work, visit my artist portfolio.