I’m thrilled to be able to offer a range of hand-knitted bags and other garments from a women’s collective in Peru. These products not only unique and beautiful; they’re also empowering Peruvian women to learn new skills, earn decent and dignified livelihoods, and transform their families’ lives.

Our not-for-profit supplier works closely with several Peruvian women in Trujillo, training them in all aspects of knitting and crochet artwork through group training and videos. For many of the artisans, this is their only source of income and for most, it’s their first real job – so it has also given them a sense of self-worth and communal support.

This amazing collective is about purpose, not profit. 33% of every dollar earned goes directly to the Peruvian artisans, 33% to the cost of operations, and 34% is invested back into community wellness programmes. Most importantly, they’re about empowering women and creating pathways out of poverty – with a focus on the mental, emotional and economic well-being of their artisans.

As well as a range of gorgeous hats, bags and shawls, the collective has also created an ‘upcycled’ range of ‘one-off garments, by getting creative with the left-over wool accumulated over the years. Each upcycled piece is unique and very special, so please ask me to show you the range.

What’s more, every item they make has a unique QR code that shares the story of the artisan who produced it – so that you can learn a little about them and how this work has transformed their lives for the better.

Ethical in every way

My supplier’s humanitarian ethos doesn’t stop there. The collective works with Andean farmers from Peru, sourcing alpaca and sheep wool as much as possible, as it is one of the most environmentally-friendly textiles. They also ensure that the small women farmers of the highlands receive a decent wage for their wool.

The artisans also use Peruvian Pima and tanguis cotton for their products. Pima cotton considered the world’s finest cotton thanks to its longer, smooth, soft and durable fibres, while tanguis is also one of the world’s most sought-after cottons, best known for its amazing strength, softness and breathability.

When you purchase these hand-crafted products, you’re making a triple positive impact: socially, economically, and environmentally. You’re empowering Peruvian women to work their way out of poverty so that they may provide for their families, and helping to pave the way for the next generation of change-makers.

You’re also getting a stunningly unique, hand-crafted product that’s made with immense gratitude and love … from the women of Peru, to you.