Kathiana Quispe

Kathiana Quispe handcrafted tooled leather handbags and accessories

Latest Update

"In 2020, when we were in the midst of the pandemic, I was able to sustain myself financially only by selling through Novica. The orders also provided capital to diversify our product line, and those sales motivate us to continue creating more products. I am a single mother of three children. Thanks to my sales at NOVICA, I can afford my children's education, in addition to now leading two workshops where I provide work for other people.

“I go to business conferences, and when I meet new business people I immediately gain their respect because I work with Novica. This is a very important prestige, helping me to continue growing professionally. NOVICA completely changed my perspective on the profitability of artisanry, and that is why I will always be infinitely grateful."

Original Artist Story

"As a girl, I was attracted to the art of design and fashion. It was something passed down from generation to generation in my family.

"I was born in 1987 in the beautiful and historic department of Cuzco where the first Andean civilizations were formed with Huari and Tiahuanaco influences. It is also the cradle of the Incan empire and the site of the Vilcabamba Inca during the conquest of Peru. I couldn't be prouder of having been born somewhere so privileged.

"I consider myself extremely creative and responsible, two qualities that define my personality and the quality of my work. My father taught me the family art of tooled leather. I learned a lot of what I know now by working with him. Day by day, I'd see the techniques he'd learned on his own. We lived in the country and I spent my childhood between the workshop, the countryside and the city. My family struggled tirelessly for a better future.

"Starting out on my own was a difficult decision and very risky. I spent a lot of time analyzing the market, designs and trends. I visited craft fairs, looked through catalogs and statistics. Sometimes, I felt I had failed. I had to close my workshop twice because it was unstable. It was hard to stay strong during those times. I made mistakes but, little by little, I found the answers. Practice, steadiness and perseverance were my pillars to keep going.

"What I enjoy the most about my art is that I'm able to combine designs and play with symmetrical shapes. It's a challenge that affects every design. I love that it keeps me creating all of the time.

"My inspiration comes from the silhouettes I create. I love discovering handwoven Andean textiles to go with the embossed motifs, and finding the balance in the shape and depth of my designs. My country, so full of history, in another source of inspiration and I'm proud to share its memories through my leather work.

"I dream of having my own boutique one day with my own designs reflecting Inca motifs and the culture of my beautiful Peru."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

Latest Update

"In 2020, when we were in the midst of the pandemic, I was able to sustain myself financially only by selling through Novica. The orders also provided capital to diversify our product line, and those sales motivate us to continue creating more products. I am a single mother of three children. Thanks to my sales at NOVICA, I can afford my children's education, in addition to now leading two workshops where I provide work for other people.

“I go to business conferences, and when I meet new business people I immediately gain their respect because I work with Novica. This is a very important prestige, helping me to continue growing professionally. NOVICA completely changed my perspective on the profitability of artisanry, and that is why I will always be infinitely grateful."

Original Artist Story

"As a girl, I was attracted to the art of design and fashion. It was something passed down from generation to generation in my family.

"I was born in 1987 in the beautiful and historic department of Cuzco where the first Andean civilizations were formed with Huari and Tiahuanaco influences. It is also the cradle of the Incan empire and the site of the Vilcabamba Inca during the conquest of Peru. I couldn't be prouder of having been born somewhere so privileged.

"I consider myself extremely creative and responsible, two qualities that define my personality and the quality of my work. My father taught me the family art of tooled leather. I learned a lot of what I know now by working with him. Day by day, I'd see the techniques he'd learned on his own. We lived in the country and I spent my childhood between the workshop, the countryside and the city. My family struggled tirelessly for a better future.

"Starting out on my own was a difficult decision and very risky. I spent a lot of time analyzing the market, designs and trends. I visited craft fairs, looked through catalogs and statistics. Sometimes, I felt I had failed. I had to close my workshop twice because it was unstable. It was hard to stay strong during those times. I made mistakes but, little by little, I found the answers. Practice, steadiness and perseverance were my pillars to keep going.

"What I enjoy the most about my art is that I'm able to combine designs and play with symmetrical shapes. It's a challenge that affects every design. I love that it keeps me creating all of the time.

"My inspiration comes from the silhouettes I create. I love discovering handwoven Andean textiles to go with the embossed motifs, and finding the balance in the shape and depth of my designs. My country, so full of history, in another source of inspiration and I'm proud to share its memories through my leather work.

"I dream of having my own boutique one day with my own designs reflecting Inca motifs and the culture of my beautiful Peru."

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.

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Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker BadgeWorking with Disabilities

This artist is working with some sort of disability ranging from mental or physical and includes conditions such as being handicapped physically, or perhaps having a condition such as autism. This is also awarded to artists that employ other artists with disabilities.

Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

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

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Alternate image for Chakana-Themed Burgundy Leather Passport Cover from Peru Chakana Tapestry

$27.99

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Chakana-Themed Burgundy Leather Passport Cover from Peru 'Chakana Tapestry'

$27.99

Alternate image for Wool Accented Suede Sling from Peru Fun Travels

$79.99

Item Detail

Wool Accented Suede Sling from Peru 'Fun Travels'

$79.99

(4)

Comments

Gayle A well-crafted small handbag. You can count on this artist for unique and excellent quality artistry.

3 more comments

Alternate image for Handcrafted Llama Leather Passport Cover with Andean Textile Introspective Llama

$29.99

Item Detail

Handcrafted Llama Leather Passport Cover with Andean Textile 'Introspective Llama'

$29.99

Alternate image for Red Leather Bucket Bag with Handwoven Alpaca Blend Accent Andean Allure

$87

Item Detail

Red Leather Bucket Bag with Handwoven Alpaca Blend Accent 'Andean Allure'

$87

Alternate image for Tooled Leather Convertible Messenger Wristlet Bag from Peru Andean Summer

$89.99

Item Detail

Tooled Leather Convertible Messenger Wristlet Bag from Peru 'Andean Summer'

$89.99

Alternate image for Versatile Leather Geometric Sling Bag from Peru Mystic Black

$97.99

Item Detail

Versatile Leather Geometric Sling Bag from Peru 'Mystic Black'

$97.99

Alternate image for Brown Leather Pencil Case with Hand Painted Flower Moray Flower

$39.99

Item Detail

Brown Leather Pencil Case with Hand Painted Flower 'Moray Flower'

$39.99

Alternate image for Burgundy Leather Sling Bag with Hand Loomed Wool Accent Route to Adventure

$109.99

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Burgundy Leather Sling Bag with Hand Loomed Wool Accent 'Route to Adventure'

$109.99

Alternate image for Brown and Teal Llama Pattern Leather Accented Suede Sling The Llama Way

$57.99

Item Detail

Brown and Teal Llama Pattern Leather Accented Suede Sling 'The Llama Way'

$57.99

(15)

Comments

Melissa Love this bag. The leather, colors, and detailing are beautiful, and it's the right size to hold the few things I carry each day. This is perfect for me and a beautiful accent piece in and of itself.

14 more comments

Alternate image for Handcrafted Crimson and Black Leather Backpack from Peru Ancient Elegance

$119.99

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Handcrafted Crimson and Black Leather Backpack from Peru 'Ancient Elegance'

$119.99

(10)

Comments

Roxana The colors are so vibrant and the bag is really sturdy. I take is with me everywhere and it still looks like new.

9 more comments

Alternate image for Hand Crafted Orange Leather Shoulder Bag with Wool Accent Solari

$109.99

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Hand Crafted Orange Leather Shoulder Bag with Wool Accent 'Solari'

$109.99

(2)

Comments

Isabel I get many complements every time I go out with this bag and happy with the quality and design

1 more comment

Alternate image for Llama-Themed Red and Black Suede Leather Sling from Peru Cusco Llama

$57.99

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Llama-Themed Red and Black Suede Leather Sling from Peru' 'Cusco Llama'

$57.99

(1)

Comments

A Ann I just gave this handbag to my daughter-law for a birthday gift, and her comment; " l love it", says it all! Perfect size, red and black colors, and cross body strap. It's a winner!!

Alternate image for Llama Pattern Leather Accented Suede Sling in Brown Mountain Llama

$59.99

Item Detail

Llama Pattern Leather Accented Suede Sling in Brown 'Mountain Llama'

$59.99

(18)

Comments

Kathleen very well made with amazing attention to detail.

17 more comments

74 Reviews for

December 3, 2023

M Michael

This is a great belt and very unique with the inca style fabric. Everyone that sees it compliments me on the belt. I think this was a really fine purchase as it is very vibrant and well made.

Kathiana Quispe

Kathiana Quispe

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