Frequently Asked Questions

The Artisans and Raices Tejidas

Who are we?

We’re a small (but growing!) business with a guiding purpose: to create meaningful, lasting impact for the communities we work with.

At Raíces Tejidas, we’re dedicated to supporting Indigenous artisans and families from five different communities across Colombia. Together, we collaborate with talented artisans, pattern makers, and designers, shining a light on their artistry and preserving their cultural heritage through every piece we share.

Our goal is simple: to amplify the voices of these communities, pay fair and honest prices for their work, and promote their creations on a global scale, while ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve, all while contributing to their economic independence and well-being.

Who do we work with?

We work hand-in-hand with artisans from the Wayuu, Embera, Misak, Inga, and Guna Dule communities, each from different regions of Colombia.

What we offer isn’t just a "product", it’s a story, a tradition, a piece of someone’s culture. Each creation is the result of time, patience, and skill, crafted by gifted hands that carry forward techniques and designs passed down through generations.

Every community we partner with has its own unique history, culture, and art forms, and you’ll see that reflected in every piece. Artisans work from the comfort of their homes, on their own schedule, giving them the freedom to focus on what matters most: their families and their craft.

Learn more about the artisans here: The Magic Behind the Artisans

How do we help our partners?

The artisans we collaborate with are the heart of everything we do. Our relationship is not one of employer and employee, but of mutual respect and trust.

We are committed to respecting their time, skill, and stories. That’s why we pay fair prices and ensuring artisans can profit from their work in a way that supports their families and communities.

Since starting, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with the same artisans, nurturing long-term relationships that provide them with steady, reliable income. Together, we are not just creating beautiful pieces, we’re building something that sustains and preserves the cultural roots that inspires the pieces.

Learn more here: Our Purpose

Returns and Exchanges

Can I return or exchange my piece(s)?

Returns

Of course! We want you to love your pieces, and while all items are carefully inspected before shipping to make sure they meet our highest quality standards, we understand you may wish to return or exchange an item.

We offer free, 30-day returns & exchanges.

If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase or if an item arrives defective, please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order.

To start a return, ensure that the product remains unused and is in its original condition and packaging. We will send you directions on what to do next when you contact us at support@rt-collective.com or by clicking the chat button at the right bottom corner of the website!

Exchanges

We do offer exchanges. Send us an email at support@rt-collective.com

Returns or exchanges not available for international orders.

What if the item(s) I received are incorrect or damaged?

Please send us an email at support@rt-collective.com with the following details: 

  • Order number
  • Order confirmation
  • Any photos of the faulty, incorrect, or missing piece(s) 

How long is the returns/refunds process?

Once we receive your returned item, we will review and inspect it to ensure it meets our return policy. We’ll send you an email confirming we’ve received your return and are processing your request.

Please allow up to 5 business days for us to process your return. Once complete, we’ll email you again to confirm the return has been processed and provide any next steps.

To make the process easier for you, we’ll provide a return shipping label along with instructions on how to send your item back to us.

When will I receive my refund?

All payments will be refunded on your original payment method. Take into consideration that it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too. 

If you paid by credit or debit card, refunds will be sent to the card-issuing bank within 7-14 business days of the returned item or cancellation request.

If you have not received your refund within that time frame, reach out to your bank.

Shipping Information

How long will it take to receive my order?

We ship ALL national and international orders using USPS (United States Postal Service).

You will receive an order confirmation number via email once your order has been placed.

Orders are ready to ship within 2-5 business days, unless specified otherwise. When your order has been shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with details regarding your tracking number.

💌 Standard USPS: Shipping within the USA typically takes 3-7 business days. 

✈️ USPS Standard International Shipping: Deliveries can take between 15–21+ days to arrive, although USPS does not guarantee delivery dates or times. 

Do you ship within the U.S?

Yes! We ship to the U.S and dispatch all of our orders from South Carolina.

All orders that exceed $70 are shipped free within the U.S. This is for standard shipping only. This includes Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii. 

Orders below $70, pay a flat rate of $5.

If you need expedited shipping, you can choose priority shipping or you can email us at support@rt-collective.com or click the chat button at the bottom right part of the screen so we can see what other options there are for fast shipping!

Do you ship internationally? What about customs?

Yes, we ship worldwide! International shipping rates will be calculated at checkout.

All international orders that exceed $150+ will be shipped free of charge.

Customs Import and local fees:

You will be responsible for paying any duties, import fees, or taxes charged by your local government.  For more information about any additional taxes and import fees that may be charged in your country, contact your local customs office. Raices Tejidas is not responsible for these fees.

How to track my order?

🕵🏽 Will I receive a tracking number?

Absolutely! As soon as the package is sent, you will receive a confirmation email with a USPS tracking number. Please allow 24 hours for tracking to be updated.

To check the tracking status of your order, please click here  or click the chat button on the bottom right of your screen and click "Track my order".

Caring for your Piece(s)

How to take care of beaded jewelry?

Beaded Earring Care Guide

Your beaded earrings are delicate, handmade pieces that deserve careful attention. To keep them looking their best for years to come:

📿 Beads are delicate, avoid tugging or pulling on your earrings to prevent breakage.

💧 Moisture can weaken the thread and damage the beads. Avoid wearing your earrings while swimming or showering.

🧴 If wearing lotions or perfumes, make sure they are dry before putting the beadwork on!

👝 Store your earrings in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent tangling, snagging, or crushing.

🪥 If needed, lightly dust with a soft, dry cloth or toothbrush. Avoid water, soaps, or cleaning solutions.

🫳🏼 Dropping or pressing the earrings may damage the beads or cause the thread to loosen.

Each pair of earrings is a unique, handmade piece, treat them with care and love to ensure they last for years to come.

How to take care of Wayuu bags?

Wayuu Mochilas Care Guide

Your Wayuu mochila is more than just a bag, it's a work of art, a story woven by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Made with durable, hypoallergenic acrylic threads, these bags are not only lightweight and resistant to damage but also designed to stand the test of time. With a little love and the right care, your mochila will remain vibrant, soft, and beautiful for years to come.

🧼 Always hand wash your Wayuu mochila in cold water with a mild detergent. Machine washing can weaken the fibers and weaving.

🪥For minor stains, gently dab the area with a soft cloth or toothbrush, mild soap, and water. Avoid scrubbing, as this can damage the threads.

🚫 Never use bleach or harsh cleaning products, these can cause discoloration and degrade the fabric.

🪟 After washing, reshape your mochila and hang it to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the vibrant colors.

🪮 Gently brush the tassels with a soft brush or your fingers to prevent tangles and knots. This small step keeps your mochila looking fresh and neat.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Mochila in Perfect Shape

  • When not in use, store your mochila in a cool, dry place. Avoid heavy stacking to maintain its shape.

  • While Wayuu mochilas are strong, overfilling them with heavy weight over time can stretch strain the handles. Give your mochi a break from time to time from heaviness!

  • If you’re traveling, gently roll your mochila to save space while keeping its shape intact.

Each mochila is unique, an expression of culture, creativity, and craftsmanship. Treat it with care, and it will reward you with years of beauty and use.

By following these simple care instructions, your Wayuu mochila will continue to brighten your days with its colors and story, just as it did the day you first got it!

How to take care of punch needle and woven clutches?

Clutch Care Guide

🧼 Use a damp cloth and mild soap to gently blot any stains. Avoid soaking the fabric or using harsh detergents or chemicals.

🧵 If small fibers or yarn ends appear, carefully trim them with scissors, don’t pull!

💧 Woven fibers can absorb water and lose their shape, so try to keep your clutch dry; and if it gets wet, air dry it!

🙌🏼 Keep your clutch in a cool, dry place, laying flat to maintain its shape.

How to take care of Molas?

Mola Care Guide

Molas are handcrafted with love and delicacy, here’s how to care for them so they last for long time:

🪡 Molas are made from layers of fabric, cut and stitched by hand. Avoid pulling or stretching the fabric to maintain its intricate design.

🧼 Spot clean with a damp cloth when needed. If washing is necessary, hand wash in cold water with mild detergent, avoid harsh chemicals.

💨 Lay the textile flat to dry naturally, out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

🙌🏼 Keep your Mola flat or rolled in a clean, dry space. Avoid folding it sharply to prevent creases and maintain the shape of the layers.

🧵 If small fibers or yarn ends appear, carefully trim them with scissors, don’t pull!

Molas have open edges with loose pieces of thread around the edges. They won't unravel or harm the patterns, but we recommend if using your Mola as a decorative piece, to frame it.

You can also add a Mola as a decorative piece to a jean jacket, for example, by sewing it onto the clothing piece you'd like to incorporate it into.

General Questions

I am in love with a sold-out item, how can I purchase it?

Special request orders may take up from 3-7 weeks. This is because all items we carry are handmade and shipped from various parts of Colombia where the artisans reside.

You can request a custom order via email at support@rt-collective.com detailing your special request.

Please make sure you include in your email:

  • The link of the sold out product if available or a screenshot
  • The picture of the product or similar piece you want
  • Any variations or customizations needed (longer bag strap, longer neck length, special color request, etc.
  • Your location (country/zip code)

How can I cancel my order? How can I change my address?

Can I cancel my order?

If you want to cancel your order, you should contact us as soon as possible. Preferably 24 hours after placing your order!

Please contact us at support@rt-collective.com or click the chat button at the right bottom corner of the website to get in touch with us! 

Can I change my address on the order?

Contact us as soon as possible if you want to change your address! Double check your order confirmation email to ensure your address is correct and up to date. 

Please contact us at support@rt-collective.com or click the chat button at the right bottom corner of the website to get in touch with us!