The Many Vendors of Sayulita

Shopping and selling are alive in Sayulita. This should come as no surprise since it is a community that hosts a large population of international residents as well as vacationers. During my time here I have done my fair share of shopping. However, because I am living here for a few months I have become acquainted with the many vendors of Sayulita in a way that I have never experienced before. I am amazed by all of their stories and would like to take the time to share a few.

The vendors of Sayulita come from all over the country and world. Some are residents who have immigrated here from other countries, others were born and raised in Sayulita, while some migrate from other parts of Mexico for part of the year.

Many of the vendors can be found walking up and down the beach from morning until afternoon, 7 days a week. The first vendor I purchased anything from was a lovely woman named Norma. She and her family come in from Bucerías everyday to sell sarongs and beach cover-ups. She always has the most beautiful clothing and fair prices. She is so sweet too. I always find her with a smile on her face, even at the end of the day. I have gotten to know her pretty well and was really excited to introduce her to my mom when she was visiting. Norma was so excited to meet my mom, and even took the time to introduce me to her mom and sister. Norma is such a hard-worker and it has been a pleasure for me to get to know her—plus she has the most beautiful sarongs in town!

Not all vendors sell on the beach. Many of them sell goods and crafts on the streets of Sayulita. Everyday on the way home from school Cynhia and I walk over the bridge, past a table where beautiful hand-painted carvings and sculptures are sold. They have everything from bowls and salsa dishes to animal figurines and calaveras. This particular vending post hosts three artists: Augustina, Mari Cruz, and Fausto. They are from San Pancho and work in Sayulita together painting and selling their beautiful crafts. I also introduced the three of them to my mom and Mary Jo during their visit. Because my mom is a seasoned shopper, she bought quite a few items from them, including a gorgeous bowl as it was being painted. We have unbelievable pictures of the bowl while it was being painted and after, along with pictures of the artists themselves. It turns out the Fausto loves the camera. He kept calling him and his business partners models!

Another vendor that stands out to me is a little girl named Abigail. She and her family migrate to Sayulita from Chiapas for a few months out of the year. She walks up and down the beach selling hand-woven friendship bracelets to tourists for 10 pesos each. I had a very memorable exchange with her. A few weeks ago she approached me on the beach and asked if I would like to buy a bracelet. Ever since I arrived in Sayulita I have been thinking about buying a bunch of bracelets as gifts for my friends and students back in the U.S. Seeing her made me think of all the children in my life, which inspired me to buy more bracelets than I will ever need. She was a fantastic salesperson. She gave me a deal—6 bracelets for 50 pesos. I happily agreed, and asked her to help me pick out 24. She and I had a lot of fun picking out bracelets suitable for boys, girls, and a few unisex. Picking the bracelets was difficult because they were all so beautiful. And once I picked out 24, Abigail ran back to her family to bring another bundle for me to look through. So I ended up buying another 6—30 in total! Before leaving Abigail gifted me a special bracelet, which she tied around my wrist. I promised not to take it off, and haven’t since. She walked away smiling, looking back at me every couple of steps. She must walk up and down the beach every day hoping to make a sale of a single bracelet, and in about 15 minutes she sold 30!

Abigail with one of her many 

bundles of bracelets!

Abigail and I posing with the bracelets I 

purchased from her. I think we were both 

ecstatic about the sale!

But this experience wasn’t only special for Abigail. It was also special for me. My exchange with her made me think about the different lifestyles of children around the world, along with the importance of education. As a teacher I worry about Abigail’s future and education. While she is learning about business and mathematics in an authentic way, there are many things she might be missing out on. This includes skills such as reading and writing, and educational opportunities that could expand her future and potentially turn her bracelet sales into a store, chain of stores, or company. I do not know whether Abigail goes to school or not. But I do know that there are many children in Mexico and all over the world who do not. Seeing her made me think about what I view as the purpose of education: for students to learn skills that will help them be successful in their lives and future careers, and to provide them with opportunities. 

Shortly after Abigail left this woman

came trying to sell me more bracelets.

She walks around on the beach all day

with her child strapped to her back.