The following post by Debbie Myers, Founder of Virtuarte, is part of Disruptive Women’s “The Value of Health: Creating Economic Security in the Developing World” series.

Deborah E. Myers has more than 25 years of experience in international economic development, including advocacy, public policy and developing strategic partnerships. She has worked with major corporations, governments, non-government organizations, and international organizations to find solutions to problems facing the people and governments in the developing world.

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Events in Life often force you to step back and review where you are. In 2007 this is exactly what happened to me. I had spent the last 15 years working for three different multinational corporations, the last one for six years. As is often the case in the corporate world, in early 2007 my job suddenly changed. So I took the opportunity to evaluate where I was in my career and to think about what I really wanted to do next.

In the early years of my career I worked at the Inter-American Development Bank, an institution that focuses on economic development in Latin America. This was my first “international” experience, where I got my passion for developing country issues and found that I love to travel. I left the Bank after 10 years and began the next phase of my career working for multinational corporations. Each position I held over these 15 years allowed me to continue to work internationally on developing world issues and travel extensively. On these travels I always took the opportunity to look for artwork and crafts that were unique to bring home either for my own enjoyment or to give as presents.

In the developing world people have always produced crafts. Over the years the skills of these individuals have developed and many have now become true artists/artisans. However, many of the creators of these beautiful products — artwork, jewelry, weavings, and textiles – are located in countries and often in remote areas where their works are seen only by locals, expats or a few tourists who venture to these regions. Many of these items are being made by women who live in rural areas that are trying to earn an income to support their families. Their products are often expressions of traditions and customs that are slowing dying out because there is insufficient incentive — economical or cultural — to pass on these traditions/customs on to the next generation. These products are not only interesting from an anthropological perspective, they are works of art that will stand the test of time and are worthy of a place in the marketplace of beautiful objects.

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