Earlier this month, I was interviewed by Natalia Sylvester, blogger for Sharp Skirts. Natalia is Peruvian and naturally, she was interested in Mayu and the work we provide to Peruvian artisans. Read to hear my thoughts on ethics, Fair Trade and starting a business…
Starting a business can be tough, but starting a business that’s out to change the world? That’s lot of weight on a person’s shoulders, and many women are proving that it’s not only possible, but worth it. Just ask Kate Robertson.
After spending two-and-a-half years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru and forming friendships with a group of local artisans, Kate wanted to find a way to help them make their skills marketable. So she founded Mayu, a clothing/accessory line of eco-friendly, hand-knit alpacas produced by a community of artisan women in the Andes. The principle behind Mayu was simple: women from all parts of the globe should have the chance to work for fair wages and be independent.
The company is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which means that it pays fair wages, ensures that there’s no child labor, and is committed to environmentally sustainable practices. We spoke to Kate about the responsibilities that come along with having a cause-driven business and how running a social enterprise has its own unique challenges and rewards.
SS: What advice would you give someone who wants to get Fair Trade Federation certified?
