Living in Peru : your everyday companion

By Kate Robertson

As I write this, I'm laying in bed with my netbook under four alpaca blankets in a rural village in Ancash, Peru. The altitude here is 3,800 meters (12,464 feet) and because there is no heat, my hands are so cold that I can barely type. I've just finished a three-hour meeting  with Mayu's artisans (during which we indulged in American pretzels and sweet, Peruvian pastries). I'm wondering why I'm not wearing a pair of alpaca gloves, the fingerless ones, so I can still type! I look forward to morning when I can bask in the warm sun and take in the magnificent view of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

This story begins in 2003 after graduating from university when I joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Peru. I had never been to South America and spoke very little Spanish. Upon learning that I was going to Peru, I spent hours in front of the Internet, trying to learn as much as I could about what would be in store for the next two years. Little did I know nothing I'd find on the computer would prepare me for the time I'd spend in the Peace Corps. I loved my experience in the Andes Mountains (despite serious challenges, frustrations and weekly breakdowns) and as a result, I've remained very connected to the country and the people I met while there.


After first working with cheese producers who spoke in Quechua and called me Barbie, my volunteer position in small business development led me to assist a group of artisans in the town where I am now writing this, Chiquian. The women knit like machines. I knew nothing about knitting, besides that my mom used to make horribly itchy sweaters that I hated wearing. This all changed once I arrived in Peru and started working with the knitters. I helped them create a small business selling the beautiful, hand-knit shawls, scarves and sweaters that they made practically with their eyes closed. The artisans sold to small shops in touristy parts of Huaraz and Lima, tourists passing through Chiquian who were headed to the mountains, and to the many employees that we met through our collaboration with Peace Corps headquarters at the US Embassy. Through their hard work and our collaboration, the women earned additional income to better provide for themselves and their families.

So, I am today back in the community where I served in the Peace Corps. It is my third time visiting in five years and I am hoping that my trips to Peru become both more frequent and business-oriented. After returning to Chicago, I decided to start Mayu, meaning river in Quechua, to continue supporting (and learning from) the women with whom I met and admired so much. I am now selling their alpaca accessories, made from with alpaca from Arequipa and designed by Laddhavan Sutana in Chicago (yes, a logistical nightmare at times). 

Fortunately, I have been able to employ approximately nine women and I hope to grow the business enough to include additional artisans, as well as a scholarship program for their children to study in Lima. It has been a challenge balancing full-time graduate course work, and before that, a full-time job. Having said that, I'd love to take Mayu from a “hobby-job” to a full-time gig: so we'd love your help spreading the Mayu word!
 
For more information, visit Mayu’s website or follow their blog.

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3 Comments

# NANCY HUAMAN says :
25 August, 2010 [ 07:10 ]

Hey guys!
I am interesting to start small business of export cloths from peru to usa. I need all kind of Requirements or needs. I am interested to start small businesses export apparel to the U.S. from Peru. I need everyone's needs or requirements.
I would like to Receive Any information about it to my e mail. I would like more information about my email. at: pilar561@yahoo.com. in: pilar561@yahoo.com.

I hope answer as soon as possible. I hope to answer as soon as possible.
Thanks, Thanks,

Janina

# Marie Alvarez-Calderon says :
26 August, 2010 [ 03:36 ]

Nice article. Great project. Hope your business continues to grow.

# kate robertson says :
27 August, 2010 [ 04:15 ]

Thanks for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed the article.

Feel free to email questions to info@shopmayu.com.

Take care,
Kate Robertson
Founder, Mayu
www.shopmayu.com

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