Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafaela Andrade.
Hi Rafaela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Rafaela Andrade; I’m the owner of UKU. I started UKU with a very specific purpose to help indigenous women and artisans have a better quality of life by using their talents and skills to create beautiful handicrafts such as ponchos, shigras, and other sewn items. I knew these women possessed incredible skills but often lacked the resources and opportunities to showcase them to a wider audience. I saw a gap in the market and was determined to fill it, using my creativity and energy to create new and meaningful products with a story behind them.
My business is not just about selling products; it is about making a real difference in these women’s lives. By providing them with a sustainable source of income, I am helping them become financially independent and improve their living conditions while empowering them and their families. My passion for helping others, particularly women, was a driving force behind my business. I understood the unique challenges women in these communities faced and was determined to make a difference in their lives. I deeply respected and admired their skills and talents, and I was dedicated to helping them present their work to the world.
I have faced many challenges along the way, but the most important and hardest is to believe in myself and everything I can achieve. It is a daunting task, and there are many times when I feel overwhelmed and unsure of myself. But I’ll never give up. I remain focused on my goal and keep pushing forward, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable. Overall, I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved through my business. My passion, creativity, determination, and persistence have made a significant impact on many people’s lives, and I am excited to see what the future holds for my business and the people it helps.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a small business owner, I face numerous obstacles that I must overcome to see my business grow and succeed. The first obstacle I face is a low budget. Being a small business, I don’t have the luxury of spending freely on advertising, marketing, or hiring staff. Every penny counts, and I must be strategic with my spending. Another challenge I face is my little experience. I may have a great business idea and a passion for what I do. Still, with the proper knowledge and experience, it can be easier to navigate the world of entrepreneurship. I need to learn about accounting, managing staff, and much more. It can be daunting, but I am determined to learn and grow. Fear is also a significant obstacle for me. Fear of failure, not being good enough, and not making enough money to pay the bills. In summary, owning a small business comes with its unique challenges. Still, with determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, I can overcome these obstacles and grow my business to its full potential.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about UKU?
At UKU, we take pride in being more than just a fashion brand. We are a social project that aims to impact the lives of those involved in our collaboration positively. We work hand in hand with artisans, designers, and small businesses in Ecuador, combining our creativity to produce unique, vibrant products that reflect our essence.
Our collection of ponchos, shigras, and handicrafts is a testament to our dedication to quality and authenticity. We carelessly design each piece, and our talented female designers play a significant role in bringing our vision to life.
What sets us apart is our commitment to social responsibility. With every purchase, customers are not just buying a piece of clothing or accessory but contributing to a bigger cause. Our collaboration with women from the Andes in Ecuador allows them to improve their quality of life. We believe in fair trade practices and pay our artisans and designers fairly for their work. By supporting UKU, our customers are supporting a sustainable and ethical business model that positively impacts the communities we work with.
In summary, UKU is not just another fashion brand. We are a social project committed to positively impacting the lives of those involved in our collaboration. We take pride in our unique products, which reflect our essence and the creativity of our artisans and designers. By supporting UKU, our customers are not just buying a product but contributing to a bigger cause and making a difference in the world.
What do you think about happiness?
As for me, there are a lot of things that truly make me happy. One of my greatest pleasures is indulging in delicious food and savoring different cuisines’ flavors and textures. I also love to travel and immerse myself in new environments and experiences. Spending quality time with my family and friends is another source of joy. Another source of happiness for me is working with women. I find it incredibly rewarding to collaborate with passionate and driven women and be part of a team that is positively impacting the world.
Pricing:
- Ponchos $88.99
- Ponchos for pets $29.99
- Shigras $66
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uku.market/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ukuethicalfashion?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: @ukuethicalfashion
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uku-market/
Image Credits
Some of the pictures are taken by Sara Jarrin
