Multicolor Unisex Alpaca Blend Socks from Peru 'Andean Culture' Item ID: 2669891111

“I was born in the beautiful city of Huancayo in 1965 and I currently live here. My parents are natives of Sicuani, Cusco. They moved from Sicuani to Huancayo when they were just married with the intention of having a sweater knitting business.

“If I had to describe myself, I am a hard-working, orderly and very punctual person. In all work effort and perseverance are what drive you to the goal. What I have learned over the years is to persevere.

“Thanks to my parents, I find myself in the wonderful world of textiles. Although their business began as production for the national market, I am proud to have complemented my university career as a chemical engineer with my father's business to help it grow the family business.

“There was a crucial moment within the family business when it was difficult to keep it going due to the economic situation of the 80s. However, I had the courage to recover our workshop, and I started selling knitted garments again at the Sunday fair of Huancayo, negotiating with local clients.

“From the second iteration of the family business, we have encountered some difficulties along the way. When I started working there was not much support and customers were suspicious because we were a small and new company. When we decide to buy large machines, we faced credit to pay our debt. But that made us get to know customers better and be proactive in seeking solutions.

“If there is something that I can rescue from everything I have experienced, it is that I am extremely happy with how far we have come as a family business. I have the dream that my children will continue with the business and the workshop will continue to be important throughout the years.

“What I like the most is going to exhibitions and seeing customers happy with our collections. I give embroidery and finishing work to mothers who are displaced from their homes or single mothers; we train them and bring the product to their homes so that they can work from there and raise their children and thus have additional income. I love my land so much, that for me it is of extreme pride to shake hands with my people. It inspires me to move, and get ahead in my land Huancayo. I never wanted to leave here because I love its mountains, valleys and people who are my main inspiration.”