Our Compañera: Doris

Our Compañera: Doris

By Caitlin Lally, Marketing and Communications intern

Over the course of eight years in the Patacancha-based cooperative of Songuillay, Doris has come to assume the leadership role of president for their work in sustainable tourism.

A mother of four children at the age of 36, our conversation was intermittently interrupted by tugs on her skirt from her youngest, Carlito.

“I learned Spanish from tourists who have come through the community,” she said explaining she had never been in a formal school setting. However, through Awamaki, she gains knowledge of business practices and advances her language skills.

Doris also contributes her sewing and weaving talents to the cooperative to support herself and her family.

“My favorite thing to weave is everything — scarves, skirts, ponchos and mantas,” she remarked with enthusiasm.

The orange and pink threads of her skirt caught my attention. She indicated it was one of her creations.

Aside from working, Doris mentioned she enjoys spending time with her family and that her dream is for her children to remain focused in their studies.

For all the women artisans, including Doris, we have abounding admiration and respect. Their hard work is the reason we do what we do at Awamaki.

About Awamaki

Awamaki is a nonprofit fair trade social enterprise dedicated to connecting Andean artisan weavers with global markets. We collaborate with women artisans to support their efforts towards educational and financial independence by co-creating beautifully handcrafted knit and woven accessories using hertiage techniques.