We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rafaela Andrade a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rafaela, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I embarked on the UKU journey with the heartfelt intention of creating job opportunities for the wonderful women of Cotopaxi, a region facing economic challenges in my beloved Ecuador. The vision is to empower these women to work while tending to their families. In this inspiring project, we’ve united a diverse group of women, each with distinct dreams and compelling stories, weaving a tapestry of shared aspirations and collective empowerment.

Rafaela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey with UKU began during the challenging times of the pandemic. I studied marketing and business, coupled with a perpetual wellspring of creativity, I envisioned creating something unique, a venture that fosters meaningful connections with people.

Today, our growth has been good. From crafting ponchos, shigras, Panama hats, headbands, to stylish handbags, we collaborate with talented artisans hailing from diverse corners of our beautiful country. Our guiding principle remains unwavering: to ensure fair compensation for their dedicated craftsmanship, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life.

I take immense pride in the products we’ve brought to life. Each one is a canvas, capturing our essence, passion, and love for our craft. Beyond being beautiful creations, they stand as pillars of support for the incredible women we work with. While we celebrate our achievements, I am keenly aware that there is still much more to accomplish on this empowering journey.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

A profound lesson that has touched my journey is the importance of crafting products that resonate with authenticity and alignment. In the vast marketplace, there will always be individuals who value sincerity and genuine character. It’s a beautiful reminder that, amidst trends and changes, preserving your essence is a non-negotiable act of staying true to yourself.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

One of the best strategies I’ve discovered to cultivate loyal customers who enthusiastically recommend my products is by providing personalized attention. Ensuring they feel valued and recognizing that their investment is in something crafted with genuine love has proven to be immensely effective.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.uku.market
• Instagram: @ukuethicalfashion
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukuethicalfashion