Meet One of Our Fair Trade Artisans from Awamaki Labs, Peru

Working at over 4,000 meters (over 12,000 feet) at the Kelkanka cooperative in high mountain region Peru, Eustachia Huaman Zuniga is one of the hard-working and interesting artisans who craft our Ivy Hobo Bags in our purses and handbags collection. Eustachia is working for the fair trade, economic opportunity Awamaki Labs company. She is one of 19 women at the Kelkanka cooperative who produce very high quality wool textile items. Her place of work is a rugged two and half hour drive into the mountain region of Peru. Awamaki Labs is headquartered near the famous Machu Picchu U.N. World Heritage site.

Eustachia likes to volunteer for the harder wool crafting orders, and is known for her bubbly and warm personality. When asked what motivates her to work hard each day, she points to her heart and says mi corazon, my heart. She is a mother of six, and alongside of her textile crafting job she helps her husband in his seasonal farm work. She is the main provider for her family.

Below is a picture of Eustachia posing near her home.

Awamaki works with over 150 women and their families across five cooperatives, providing education and skill trainings, enabling them to transform their communities. Awamaki facilitates economic opportunities that give these artisans access to a broader market so they may sell their fair trade products.

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