Founders and Artisans
Ron and Mary Ober
Founders
Ron was inspired to start Revy after a trip to El Salvador in 2009. He and Mary grew the company together for ten years, and she continues to lead Revy following his passing in November 2019.
Alma de Leon
Alma de Añil
Alma de Leon employs members of 10 families to tend the indigo crops and complete the crafting process, and provides them with gardening space on the farm for their own food crops as well.
Mario Alabi
Alabi Recycling
Once working solo, Mario now employs a small crew to convert the found rubber scrap into functional and durable accessories. This project both helps the environment and provides jobs in the community.
Alejandra Henríquez
Taller la Familia
Alejandra founded Taller la Familia or "Family Workshop" in 2013, named in honor of her love for family as a daughter, wife and mother. Since her first class in clay miniature making, she has dedicated herself to preserving this traditional art form, drawing upon her creativity to add new innovations. Her small workshop provides employment and supports the local economy in her community of Ilobasco.
Taller Jaraguá
Jewelry
The women of Taller Jaraguá purchase all of their materials from other local family businesses to create a thriving support system. Education is one of their main objectives, and proceeds from their sales have enabled them to build a library with donated books. Classes are held in the alleyways of their urban location while still preserving their culture and dignity.
Las Tinecas
Jewelry
Some of the women in this co-op are ex-gang members who are now working hard to support their children and provide them with a better life. They take pride in their homes and their work; over the ten years Revy has known them, several children from the community have completed high school-- not a small feat in El Salvador, where education beyond the eighth grade is not free.
Testimonials

June 2009
Our founder is struck by inspiration
Ron Ober makes his first visit to El Salvador, hosted by the NGO CRISPAZ at their San Salvador headquarters. CRISPAZ artisans meet Ron and share their crafts. He returns home, stunned at the depth of need in the country.
...

August 2009
Founding Revy
Ron returns to El Salvador with Mary, and together they place the first orders with a handful of co-ops, including La Mora Jicambú.
Revy Fair Trade Products is founded.
...


Spring-Summer 2010
Making connections
Ron and Mary meet with more co-ops (including Taller Jaragua pictured above, and Las Tinecas) and creators Alma de Añil and Mario Alabi.
Mario designs the first rubber purse for Revy.
...

Fall-Winter 2010
Fair Trade Federation membership
As the product line and artisan co-op contacts multiply and begin to firm up, Ron applies for Fair Trade Federation membership.


2011-2012
Sharing the goods
We begin to take Revy's offerings to trade shows, leading to sales success for Revy's artisans, notably Alabi Recycling's Revved Up accessories and Alma de Añil's indigo handbags.


2013-2015
Creative collaborations
Following customer requests, Mario Alabi (Alabi Recycling) introduces his immediately-popular wallets.
Alma de Añil creates her first scarves for us and develops new purse designs.