From Home to Heart: The Story Behind Paws

Hi there!

I’m Zoe, the founder of Paws NWA. Thanks so much for being here—it truly means the world.

In 2015, I moved from Mexico to the United States. While I was excited for the new chapter, I quickly realized how much I missed the feeling of home. That longing for connection to my roots inspired me to start Paws —a shop where I could share a piece of Mexico’s vibrant culture and craftsmanship.

I officially opened the shop in 2020 with a simple dream: something that not only celebrated the artistry of Mexican craftwork but also created real opportunities for the people behind it.

Our products are handmade by artisans from Mexico— many of whom live in remote, indigenous communities where Spanish isn’t even the first language spoken. These artisans are incredibly talented, but they often face challenges like limited access to education and fair-paying jobs. Their work is too often undervalued, despite the generations of tradition and technique behind it.

Our mission is to celebrate and preserve Mexico’s cultural heritage while ensuring that artisans are paid fairly and treated with the respect they deserve. Every item in the shop is thoughtfully handcrafted, never mass-produced, and made with love, history, and deep cultural meaning.

When you shop with us, you’re not just buying a beautiful item—you’re helping sustain ancient craft traditions and directly supporting the communities that keep them alive.

Thank you for supporting our small business and for being part of this journey.

If you have any questions, want to collaborate, or just want to say hi, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Zoe from Paws