About Us
Wayra
Wayra. This is how ancient Peruvians used to call the wind; the same wind that now inspires our artisans with patterns and designs they masterfully weave to transform colorful threads into equisite pieces of art.
Our artisans have art in their hands and their hearts, and successfully manage to capture that art inspired by the wind, by the geographic beauty that surrounds them, and express it in the blankets, cushions, rugs and carpets that you will cherish and enjoy for a lifetime.
We are committed to sustainable development and work with over 2,000 artisans in Peruvian highlands. They primarily come from mining communities and live in harsh conditions, over 3800 meters above sea level. These harsh landscapes are equally breathtaking and provide our artisans with a unique vision of the world, that allows them to see and feel the nature around them and transform these images and sentiments into true pieces of art.
Our mission,
vision, values
MISSION
Produce industrial and handmade textiles, with natural fibers, that generate sustainable development under the rules of fair trade and provide adequate compensation to firms and artisans throughout Peru.
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VISION
To be an important national and international economic agent in developing and creating Peruvian natural fiber based products, which provides added value and quality products to our customers, and has an impact in the community.
VALUES AND COMPETENCES
- Creativity
- Punctuality
- Honesty
- Social responsibility
- Teamwork
Our goal is that our team members have a positive and enthusiast attitude towards their job and between one another, and that they may cultivate values such as confidentiality, assertiveness, loyalty, leadership, flexibility and readiness for changes of conditions, with responsibility, empathy, empowerment, proactivity and respect.
Family legacy
Wayra is a peruvian company that produces industrial and handmade textiles made from alpaca fiber. Wayra emerged from an idea by Ms. Mercedes Benavides, a businesswoman with a life-long link to mining communities in Peru. When her family business made a change, she decided to keep on working with the same communities she was familiar with since her early age. She knew that artisans from different places in Peru have art in their hands and was determined to give them the opportunity to ensure their art was widely known, and at they could make a living from this art.
After years of dedication, Mercedes passed the business to her daughters, Inés and Elsa, in 2013, after working in the business for many years.
This new stage is even more successful than the previous one, yet the essence of the family business is still alive. This spirit can be felt within the firm but also in our relationship with the artisans, with whom we still maintain close ties.
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Today, Inés serves as CEO, with the same energy her mother taught her, based on the principle of giving back what we’ve received from life. This passion for Peru, for all things Peruvian, was transmitted, from Mercedes, to this next generation.
Inés has been able to continue Wayra’s mission of connecting you, our customer, with the artisan, the artist that blends art and threads in a first quality product. Wayra work as a direct link between you, and our artisans.
However, this is not only about selling textiles, but also establishing a personalized contact with the artisan, to understand their skills, and also establishing a relationship with the customer to know what they are looking for and satisfy that need with the right product. Wayra’s service is comprehensive, you receive exquisite products that are ready to be displayed in your store.
“Engage yourself, never give up. Get up if you fall down. Expand yourself with caution, along with the environment and the market. Side with the market and go ahead”.
Inés Vizquerra, CEO