Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Andrade.
Hi Tatiana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello my name is Tatiana Andrade, im very proud of my Bolivian roots.
I was raised and lived in La Paz, Bolivia for 25 years of my life. Originality born in Eugene, Oregon where I currently live with my years old daughter.
14 years ago, after finishing my degree in Business Administration in Bolivia. I decided to return to Eugene to follow my dad’s footsteps by continuing to build this beautiful Fair Trade small business that he created in 1978. My father, (Mario Andrade )my biggest inspiration 🕊🤍. Sadly my father pass last year. I will always be grateful to my dad for everything I learned from him!
CHASQUI is a family-owned Fair Trade business that works directly with and support Bolivian artisans through Fair Trade principles ! Our brand represents the collective effort of a variety of small productive groups from rural communities in Bolivia by providing more fairness in international trade!
We are proud to offer you our high-quality handmade Alpaca wool clothing, accessories, and other handcrafted goods utilizing natural fiber and incorporating traditional designs that reflect our Bolivian roots 🇧🇴🧶🦙
For the past 12 years every Fall I was on the road traveling with my dad and held Annual Fair Trade Alpaca Sweaters Fests at different Universities throughout US 🚐to teach the importance of supporting sustainable goods that are handcrafted with love. Now I keep my dad’s legacy through continuing this tradition.
3 years ago I opened my first store .Yes dreams came true with perseverance and love for what you do. As Latina small business owner I feel very supportive with my community, I love to connect face to face with people and happy to share a little piece of our Bolivian culture and bring our authentic Fair Trade Bolivian alpaca goods to Eugene area. Also, Im grateful to be part of such an amazing local markets here in twon that has granted the opportunity to meet other incredible businesses owner around.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Took me around 5 years to be ready to open the store, especially saving money and making sure that the community try and like my products.
So I started doing a lot of local markets and and every year people was looking and asking for me then I knew it that was ready. What I offer is not a regular Sweaters. I put effort, time and my own designs to bring to the people quality and one of a kind pieces.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
CHASQUI is a Fair Trade small business
Every year I travel to Bolivia for two months and work directly with the artisans to support sustainable living and better work opportunities for our Bolivian artisans!
I do the designs of my clothing and accessories to make unique and one of a kind pieces!
We utilize natural alpaca fiber and bringing our own brand directly from the hand of the Bolivian artisans to Eugene and around.
I love to sell my products face to face in Markets, events and at my store front. I love to talk about what we do, how we make our sweaters , who make it and how the artisans are receiving their money trough Fair Trade principles.
The fact that we dont buy and resell or we dont mass produce, its something that I can say sets us apart from others we have very unique pieces, we make items by hand in small batches. This allows as to maintain the direct contact with the artisans, more care, unique details owns designs. At the same time we try to keep the best price for our customers because its not middleman
And its a good way for me to share a little piece of my Bolivian culture through my fair Trade products
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My Father, Mario Andrade, he is the one that started CHASQUI in 1978. He is from Bolivia, when he was 17 years old he came to the US as an international student and got a scholarship in Texas university, then moved to Moscow, Idaho and did his Master degree in Business, and then moved to Eugene.
He got the idea to bring alpaca wool Sweaters and keep people warm and at the same time support the artisans in Bolivia. So he started working directly with the artisans traveling every year and selling alpaca Sweaters.
I always knew it that I wanted follow my dads footsteps, he was my biggest inspiration. We worked together for the past 12 years. Now I keep his legacy continuing selling our Bolivian sweaters.
Pricing:
- Alpaca Sweaters from $79-$139
- Alpaca Gloves and Hats $28 each
- Alpaca Scarves $ 44
- Alpaca Ponchos $94-$109
- Small handcrafted accessories $5-$35
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Chasqui_alpacawool.com
