The art of needlework, which represented a fundamental job opportunity for many women in the 1950s and 1960s, now faces the risk of disappearing due to the lack of incentives to attract new generations to this sector. A compelling plea for help from the government and shift in the business model is needed in order to ensure the survival of this traditional industry.
Carmen Borrero, administrator of the Creación de la Montaña Industrial Cooperative, expressed her concerns, saying that young people are shying away from professions in sewing which is causing a decline in the industry. The cooperative, which was formed in 2002 to save jobs and create new ones, currently has only 18 workers, all of whom are over 50 years old. High operational costs are also affecting their business, with electricity bills reaching up to $600 a month despite their efforts to switch to more energy-efficient LED products.
The cooperative was also at the brink of eviction due to a debt of $164,000 to the government, but the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) stepped in to assist them in avoiding eviction.
The lack of interest and support from the government is also evident, as there have been no incentives given to increase opportunities in the needlework industry. Designer Matilsha Marxuach believes that although there are young people interested in the industry, internal business models in factories need to change and governmental support is lacking.
However, the Department of Education has made efforts to keep the tradition alive by offering high fashion design workshops in 18 schools through the Industrial Education Program. This offers a glimmer of hope, with 652 young people enrolled in these workshops.
Faced with competition from other countries, particularly China and the Dominican Republic, manufacturing prices in Puerto Rico are at a disadvantage. Nonetheless, there are efforts to sustain the economy of the sector through federal contracts and collaboration with the federal government.
Víctor Merced, director of Business Development at the DDEC, suggested that a change in the business model and opportunities for apprenticeship with local designers could help attract new generations to the industry.
It is clear that traditional methods and industries, such as needlework and textile manufacturing, need both internal and governmental support in order to remain relevant and competitive in today’s market.