Wilber Calapuja
"I'm Wilber Calapuja Marron and I was born in Puno where my mother knitted sweaters to sell. I’m a very happy, hard-working, punctual and honest person. I decided to come to Lima to live with a relative to study auto mechanics, then computers and, later, coding.
"One day, a friend offered me a job in a workshop where they knitted sweaters and that's where my interest and passion for developing and knitting sweaters was awakened. In my work experience, I learned to knit, then design and develop different kinds of sweaters, and also learned a great deal about manual and electronic machines. Eventually, I was ready to set up my own workshop.
"When I first ventured out on my own, there were some difficult moments, but each obstacle I overcame motivated me to keep going forward. The toughest part was not having enough money. I worried about finding customers because I needed more work for my collaborators and, fortunately, the people who assist me always supported me. They'd cheer me up with their jokes and, when I would stop by to see how the work was going, I'd always leave smiling.
"Designing is the first step in the process, which is done on the computer. Next, we select the materials, such as alpaca. Finally, we knit them. I enjoy being able to innovate our designs, knitting and use of materials. I don't find it difficult – one just needs creativity and a lot of patience.
"My designs begin as an idea that I quickly capture on paper. I work with my wife and we both spend almost 14 hours a day in the workshop and have weekly meetings to organize the work. It's a challenging job, but very satisfying.
"One of our greatest challenges is competition, which is why I want to increase sales and provide more work to the people around me. As a child, I wanted to work on my own and I've finally achieved this. You have given me the opportunity to continue growing by showing our designs to the world."
Products (27)
Azure Blue Alpaca Blend Long Sleeve Duster Length Cardigan 'Mesa Mist'
Men's Knit 100 Alpaca Pullover in Dusty Lavender from Peru 'Dusty Lavender Style'
Cable Knit Baby Apaca Blend Cardigan in Olive from Peru 'Comfortable Charm in Olive'
100 Alpaca Knit Wrap Scarf in Alabaster from Peru 'Alabaster Diamonds'
Forest Spruce Teal Baby Alpaca Turtleneck Sweater 'Sweet Teal Warmth'
Men's Zip-Neck Alpaca Sweater 'Woodland Walk in Moss'
Prussian Blue Alpaca Cable Knit Zip Front Men's Cardigan 'Cozy Prussian Blue'
Azure Blue Baby Alpaca Blend Long Sleeve V-Neck Knit Sweater 'Mesa Mist'
Baby Alpaca Teal Cable Knit Tunic Sweater Dress 'Winter Teal'
Cable Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Cardigan in Ivory from Peru 'Comfortable Charm'
Men's 100 Alpaca Teal Pullover Sweater From Peru 'Teal Geometry'
Knitted Unisex Scarf in Celadon 100 Alpaca from Peru 'Celadon Braid'
Pointelle Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Cardigan 'Reaction'
Knitted Unisex Scarf in Azure 100 Alpaca from Peru 'Antique Cable Knit'
Men's 100 Alpaca Pullover Sweater With Braid Pattern 'Grey Braids'
Knitted Unisex Watch Cap Dusty Lilac 100 Alpaca from Peru 'Antique Lilac Allure'
Charcoal Alpaca Tunic Sweater Dress 'Long Lines in Charcoal'
Men's Dark Green 100 Alpaca Pullover Sweater From Peru 'Moss Braids'
Knitted Unisex Watch Cap in Azure 100 Alpaca from Peru 'Antique Blue Allure'
Forest Spruce Teal Baby Alpaca Pullover Sweater 'Teal Charm'
Men's Blue Pullover Sweater Knit in Peru with 100 Alpaca 'Dusty Blue'
Heather Blue Baby Alpaca Blend Sweater 'Distinction in Blue'
Cable Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Pullover in Ivory from Peru 'Warm Charm'
Striped Alpaca Blend Long Sleeve V-Neck Duster Cardigan 'Mesa Sunrise'
Dark Red Men's 100 Alpaca Sweater 'Field and Forest'
Soft Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Turtleneck Sweater 'Prestige in Sky Blue'
Red Alpaca Wool Cardigan with White Glyph Stars from Peru 'Glyph Stars'