In 1944, after graduating Valedictorian of her class from Texas Tech University, Joyce Dobkins, at the age of 33, left the family cotton business, purchased an automobile in New York City, and drove by herself to Guatemala on the newly opened Pan-American Highway. While living and in Guatemala, she became very knowledgeable of Mayan culture and textiles. Her enthusiasm for native textiles prompted her to start her own weaving business with her sister, Carmen Drake.
Their first major success was the famous hand-woven Guatemalan skirt, which was sold at Neiman Marcus and later in stores throughout the United States. The dyeing and weaving techniques they developed in their factory are still being used today in Guatemalan weavings.
In 1959, Joyce and Carmen returned to their native Texas where they began a cottage industry by having saddle blankets woven to their specifications in Juarez, Mexico. During those years, Joyce and Carmen developed unique designs and innovative weaving techniques that set the standard for hand-woven saddle blankets, tapestries and floor coverings.
Today, Mayatex offers equine businesses saddle blankets of exclusive design that can give their products a unique presence in the marketplace with on-time delivery and within specifications for color, size, weight and fabric content. Our business partners have come to expect quality, well-designed products from Mayatex and we endeavor to meet their expectations.
Mayatex continues this legacy begun over 60 years ago by supplying the equine industry with quality saddle blankets of original design by utilizing the combined knowledge of two generations of experience.
Mayatex is owned and operated by James Drake and Pi Crowley who continue this family tradition of bringing quality products direct from the weaver to you.
