Based in Managua, Nicaragua, Oyanca Artesania was founded in 2001 by Tamara Pereira, with the goal of providing increased export opportunities for Nicaraguan ceramic artisans. The enterprise seeks to invest resources in developing new designs, colors and forms, based on market trends, to build on traditional skills. In their ceramic pieces, Oyanca artisans combine the best of traditional Nicaraguan culture with contemporary design, in order to create innovative products that create new markets for traditional crafts. Oyanca works with artisans in both rural and urban areas of Nicaragua, with 50 percent of the artisans being women. Oyanca also conducts training programs for artisans, focused on marketing assistance, technical skills, infrastructure and production efficiency. Ten Thousand Villages started purchasing from Oyanca Artesania in 2008.