Pantropic

Pantropic is one of those rare companies where a successful business grows out of a passion for a product and place. The operative word here is "successful" because many people start with high ideals, but staying in business while maintaining one's values is another matter. USA Pantropic owner, Donna, and her Ecuadorian partner are such a business. The advantages to the end-using customer are apparent for a tight pipeline, without middlemen, brings the work of designers and artisans directly to the hat lover. These Panama straw hats are hand-woven in Ecuador from lightweight straw made from the leaves of the Paja Toquilla Palm. Pantropic is yet another example of The Village Hat Shop's bias of representing companies where owners are intimately involved in their business thereby assuring the high quality, service and creativity that often comes when this is the model.