Casey

On December 2023, I opened a storefront called Sumercé Artisans in downtown Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to highlight the artisans of Boyacá, Colombia. We collaborate with over 25 artists, sharing their stories through handcrafted products that reflect generations of skill, love, and tradition.

We donate 10% of our profits to Fundación Montecito in Sogamoso, Boyacá, supporting projects to preserve Lake Tota, Colombia's largest lake. This space was created to honor my experiences in Colombia, give back to a community that has become my second home, and serve as a bridge between our two worlds.

Nearly a decade ago, I volunteered as a photographer with Fundación Montecito, traveling to Boyacá's Sugamuxi province to create a catalog that promoted the region’s natural beauty. Working alongside Felipe and Juanita Velasco, the foundation focuses on water governance, nature reserves, and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The revenue from my photographs directly supports the preservation of Lake Tota.

One of photography's greatest powers is its ability to capture moments and places that stay with us long after we leave. No place has shown me such unconditional love as the small province of Boyacá.

This sentiment is reflected in the store’s name, Sumercé (pronounced soo-mahr-say), an expression of kindness and respect from Boyacá, derived from the Spanish phrase "su merced," meaning “your grace.”

At Sumercé Artisans, customers can find handcrafted art, clothing, jewelry, journals, stationery, rugs, and soccer balls — all directly sourced from the artisans of Boyacá. This ensures immediate, meaningful impact, regardless of whether the product sells.

Through my Prints with Purpose initiative, I work with painters and artists to turn their original works into accessible art prints sold in the shop, providing them with a monthly stipend and expanding their market internationally.

My story has come full circle. Felipe and Juanita brought me to Colombia all those years ago, and now, I’m working with them to help protect Lake Tota.

When you purchase from our artisans, you’re crossing the bridge between my two homes — a bridge built over more than a decade. It’s my privilege to give back to the people of Boyacá who gave me the greatest experience of my life.

In the future, I hope to grow the shop into a hub for volunteer opportunities in Boyacá, fostering cultural and language exchange. We’re also exploring a unique eco-tourism opportunity in collaboration with Fundación Montecito, linking Lake Winnebago and Lake Tota through bird migration patterns.