From the Andes Mountains to the Florida Sunshine

A Journey of Love and Heritage

My name is Cristy Hill, and my story begins in the beautiful town of Baños de Agua Santa, tucked away near the Andes mountains in Ecuador. It was there, in 2000, that I met my husband, Frank, while he was studying Spanish.

In 2010, I made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States. After a brief, chilly year in Ohio, we followed the sun to Tampa, Florida, arriving with our two-month-old son, Frankie. As our family grew to include our son Everett and our daughter Sophia, so did our dream of bringing the soul of Ecuadorian craftsmanship to our new home.

The Birth of a Family Business

As a new mother, I wanted a career that allowed me to be present for my children while honoring my Ecuadorian roots. We noticed something was missing in Florida: the vibrant, high-quality, handcrafted textiles of my home country.

We began traveling back to Ecuador to visit my family, returning each time with a few more treasures to see if our neighbors loved them as much as we did.

More Than a Boutique: A Partnership with 10 Families

What makes Latin American Boutique truly special isn't just the colors or the wool,  it’s the people. We don't source from large factories. Instead, we work directly with ten artisan families across Ecuador and Peru. By working with us, you are directly supporting these ten families, helping them preserve ancient weaving traditions that have been passed down for generations. I travel back to visit these makers personally, ensuring that every Alpaca Poncho and Handmade Scarf is made with fair wages and immense pride.

A Family Legacy at the Florida Markets

Over the last 12 years and more than 1,000 festivals, our business has become a true family affair. From our early days at the Ybor City Saturday Market to major shows across the state, Frankie, Everett, and Sophia have grown up under our white tents. They’ve helped us unpack crates, greet customers, and learn the value of hard work and community.

Why Your Support Matters

When you shop with us, you aren't just buying a product; you are supporting a dream and a heritage.

• You Support Local: We are a family-owned Florida business.

• You Support Artisans: You provide a sustainable income for 10 families in South America.

• You Support Quality: You are choosing "slow fashion" that is built to last a lifetime.

Thank you for being a part of our family’s journey.

— Cristy, Frank, Frankie, Everett, & Sophia

 

 

My husband and I

Founders and owners of Latin American Boutique

Frankie and Everett at the St Pete Pier