Celinda Jaco

Celinda Jaco alpaca apparel

"I was born in the beautiful department of Cerro de Pasco but, when I was five years old, I went to live in Lima with my godmother while my parents continued working as farmers in my hometown. I studied up to second year in middle school and then my love for textiles took over as I took courses in tailoring, knitting, crochet, toy-making and appliqué.

"I began working in a project with mothers who also wanted to learn about making toys, knitting and crochet. I worked in a variety of things, from bringing over things from Chile to sell in Peru to opening my own shop to sell sweaters, but that didn't work. In 2002 I started knitting informally but, thanks to the advice of my husband and children who specialize in textiles, I've been able to establish my own venture. I am constantly taking courses to hone my skills and develop further.

"Life is full of surprises, good and bad. I remember that once, back when I used to travel the countryside to sell different things, a taxi driver took off with everything after I had finished loading the car and before I had the chance to get in. I took another cab trying to catch up, but we never made it. However, one of my clients saw everything and identified the taxi.

"I thought I had lost everything, when this client called me and asked me to meet him at his house and as I walked in, I was amazed to see all of my merchandise there! I was so grateful to God and to this client!

"When I was a little girl I loved playing at having a trade and I enjoyed making things with my hands. Now as a grownup, I get to do it for real!

"My art comes from a combination of skill and creativity. I combine flat knitting with hand-embroidered details. It is very inspiring and motivating to create items that are different to what everybody else is doing. I've exhibited my creations in different fashion shows and fairs throughout Peru.

"The biggest goal I had set for myself was to be recognized, and I'm achieving it. I am so excited about having a chance to meet you all. I hope you like my designs and appreciate the fact each one is made with much dedication, effort, and love for this art. Thank you for trusting in me!"

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"I began working in a project with mothers who also wanted to learn about making toys, knitting and crochet. I worked in a variety of things, from bringing over things from Chile to sell in Peru to opening my own shop to sell sweaters, but that didn't work. In 2002 I started knitting informally but, thanks to the advice of my husband and children who specialize in textiles, I've been able to establish my own venture. I am constantly taking courses to hone my skills and develop further.

"Life is full of surprises, good and bad. I remember that once, back when I used to travel the countryside to sell different things, a taxi driver took off with everything after I had finished loading the car and before I had the chance to get in. I took another cab trying to catch up, but we never made it. However, one of my clients saw everything and identified the taxi.

"I thought I had lost everything, when this client called me and asked me to meet him at his house and as I walked in, I was amazed to see all of my merchandise there! I was so grateful to God and to this client!

"When I was a little girl I loved playing at having a trade and I enjoyed making things with my hands. Now as a grownup, I get to do it for real!

"My art comes from a combination of skill and creativity. I combine flat knitting with hand-embroidered details. It is very inspiring and motivating to create items that are different to what everybody else is doing. I've exhibited my creations in different fashion shows and fairs throughout Peru.

"The biggest goal I had set for myself was to be recognized, and I'm achieving it. I am so excited about having a chance to meet you all. I hope you like my designs and appreciate the fact each one is made with much dedication, effort, and love for this art. Thank you for trusting in me!"

Andes Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.

Learn More

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

Celinda is proud to be able to pay for the education of one of her grandsons.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

Celinda hires as many university students as possible. It is her way of ensuring that someone will not have to give up their studies because they cannot afford to continue.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Celinda uses traditional materials to create her contemporary clothing. Her designs are often based on Andean styles such as ponchos and ruanas, her garments are machine knit and finished by hand. From her early teens, Celinda was obsessed with textiles and began to learn tailoring, knitting, crochet, toy-making and applique. Many of these crafts were taught to her by her family. Today, she enjoys passing her skills on to the next generation. She encourages university students who are curious about the textile arts to visit her workshop and practice.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Celinda, her husband and her grandson are all supported through her Novica sales. These sales are steady, enabling her to pay her employees, her workshop bills and other living expenses.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

Celinda has a natural entrepreneurial spirit. She attempted many things before finding her own workshop. Dedicated to preserving Peruvian textile traditions, she trains her own workers and informally teaches university students who have an open invitation to visit her workshop and learn about the textile arts. She is an asset to her community.

Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

11 items

Filter

Filters

Sort

Most popular
Price: low to high
Price: high to low
Newest arrivals

Alternate image for Warm Mens Alpaca Blend Poncho with V-neck from Peru Gray Nazca

$129.99

Item Detail

Warm Men's Alpaca Blend Poncho with V-neck from Peru 'Gray Nazca'

$129.99

(6)

Comments

Harm Jan Warm and nice to wear on a cold evening sitting for long time

5 more comments

Alternate image for Andean Alpaca Blend Black Mens Poncho with Hood Ebony

$134.99

Item Detail

Andean Alpaca Blend Black Men's Poncho with Hood 'Ebony'

$134.99

(7)

Comments

Charles This is a very soft and cozy poncho - nice enough to wear out on the town but I like to wear it around the house!

6 more comments

Alternate image for Handmade Alpaca Wool Blend Scarf Silver Gift of Warmth

$23.99

Item Detail

Handmade Alpaca Wool Blend Scarf 'Silver Gift of Warmth'

$23.99

(11)

Comments

Geraldine Gave this scarf to my son in law for Christmas and he loved it. He?ll be wearing it a lot! His first scarf.

10 more comments

Alternate image for Mens Artisan Crafted Woven Brown Alpaca Blend Scarf Andean Clouds in Brown

$28.95

Item Detail

Men's Artisan Crafted Woven Brown Alpaca Blend Scarf 'Andean Clouds in Brown'

$28.95

(8)

Comments

Scott I think I will get one for myself!

7 more comments

Alternate image for Peruvian Poncho for Men in Warm Alpaca Blend Inca Explorer in Black

$119.99

Item Detail

Peruvian Poncho for Men in Warm Alpaca Blend 'Inca Explorer in Black'

$119.99

(3)

Comments

Trent I get compliments on my poncho all the time, and the alpaca makes it warm and still lightweight. Highly recommended, you won’t be disappointed.

2 more comments

Alternate image for V-neck Poncho for Men Artisan Crafted in Peru Inca Explorer in Gray

$129.99

Item Detail

V-neck Poncho for Men Artisan Crafted in Peru 'Inca Explorer in Gray'

$129.99

(1)

Comments

S Sharmala I bought this for my boyfriend for Christmas (early Christmas present) and he loves it. He says it's very comfortable and warm and had the biggest smile on his face. Thank you so much, Celinda!

Alternate image for Artisan Crafted V-neck Alpaca Blend Poncho for Men Black Nazca

$127.99

Item Detail

Artisan Crafted V-neck Alpaca Blend Poncho for Men 'Black Nazca'

$127.99

(2)

Comments

Martha Thank you so much for the beautiful poncho. My son is from Guatemala but has Incan heritage so this has very special meaning to him.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Unique Mens Alpaca Wool Solid Grey Scarf Charcoal Gift of Warmth

$25.99

Item Detail

Unique Men's Alpaca Wool Solid Grey Scarf 'Charcoal Gift of Warmth'

$25.99

(21)

Comments

Kitty Christmas gifted to a much loved, streetwise activist in the Disability Rights Movement named Shawn McDuff, now gone. He had Muscular Dystrophy and felt the cold badly. He was much impressed with its good looks and quality and how beautifully it was packaged,

20 more comments

105 Reviews for

November 28, 2023

T Trent

I get compliments on my poncho all the time, and the alpaca makes it warm and still lightweight. Highly recommended, you won’t be disappointed.

Celinda Jaco

Celinda Jaco

Blog Posts