Connecting the Unconnected with Walter Steele

Walter Steele, a passionate traveler and entrepreneur, shares his
journey from seeking adventure to finding a business opportunity.
He discusses the power of entrepreneurship and his life-changing
trip to Guatemala, where he discovered the country's beauty and
tumultuous history. 





He started a Guatemala business focusing on women's empowerment
and education. The conversation delves into the local community's
challenges, including economic hardships and gender inequality.
Walter expresses optimism about the future of Guatemala and
emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to support economic
development and empower marginalized communities. 


Embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth while
positively impacting the world.





Highlights:





{02:30} Life-Changing Trip to Guatemala





{08:00} Entrepreneurial Ventures





{15:15} Supporting Local Communities





{22:31} Cultural Perspectives and Biases





{32:00} Philanthropic Efforts





Walter Steele Bio:





Walter Steele, the visionary founder of Atitlan Leather, is a
passionate advocate for connecting global communities through
ethical commerce. Born out of a profound appreciation for the
artistry and craftsmanship of the Mayan population around Lake
Atitlan, Walter's journey began with a simple yet profound
observation: the beauty of the volcanoes reflected in the waters
of Lake Atitlan, juxtaposed with the exquisite, handcrafted goods
of the local artisans.





Driven to alleviate economic uncertainty and empower local
entrepreneurs, Walter established Atitlan Leather to bridge the
gap between small business artisans and the global marketplace.
By providing financial assistance, business consulting, and
exclusive worldwide distribution of artisan products, Atitlan
Leather empowers local craftsmen and craftswomen to build
sustainable businesses year-round.


Since its inception in 2013, Atitlan Leather has been dedicated
to offering a diverse range of high-quality handmade leather
goods tailored to the traveler's lifestyle. With a focus on
durability, practicality, and affordability, Walter and his team
ensure that each product embodies the spirit of adventure and
exploration.





Beyond business partnerships, Walter shares a deep personal
connection with his collaborator, Domingo, transcending the realm
of entrepreneurship. Their friendship extends beyond the daily
grind of business operations as they bond over shared interests
such as foraging for izote and bananas in the forest, playing
soccer, and embarking on scenic hikes.





For Walter, Atitlan Leather is not just a business venture; it's
a testament to the power of ethical shopping and meaningful
partnerships. By choosing Atitlan Leather, customers directly
support small business owners in Guatemala and contribute to the
sustainable growth of Atitlan Leather itself, which is based in
Washington state. With every purchase, Walter's vision of
fostering economic empowerment and cultural exchange becomes a
tangible reality, one handmade leather product at a time.





Links:





https://www.guatemalahousingalliance.org





https://atitlanleather.com





walter@atitlanleather.com 





https://tacticaltravelerclub.com





Sponsored Links:





https://therootbrands.com/product/zero-in





https://newulife.com/hk/en 





https://trufinco.com