Awamaki

Awamaki

Handwoven bags, textiles and knitwear made by Quechua women's cooperatives in Peru's Sacred Valley.

Fair trade
Member of Fair Trade Federation
Made in
Peru
Based in
Ollantaytambo, Peru
Founded
2009

Vetted by The Labour Movement · last reviewed October 2026 · How we vet brands

Awamaki builds women's financial independence in rural Peru by connecting Quechua artisan cooperatives with markets for their weaving and knitting.

The story

Kennedy Leavens and Miguel Galdo founded Awamaki in early 2009 to support a cooperative of 10 women weavers from Patacancha, a Quechua community in the Peruvian Andes. It works as both a Peruvian nonprofit association and a U.S. 501(c)(3).

Awamaki now works with women-led weaving, knitting and sewing cooperatives in Peru's Sacred Valley, near Ollantaytambo, keeping Quechua textile traditions alive while helping the women reach new markets.

In 2011 Awamaki spun off its health program to focus on income and market access, through fair trade cooperatives and community tourism such as weaving workshops and homestays. It is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.

About Awamaki

Is Awamaki fair trade?

Yes. Awamaki is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which screens whole businesses against nine fair trade principles before accepting them. The Labour Movement also vetted Awamaki before listing it, and we review every brand each year.

Who makes Awamaki products?

Quechua women in weaving, knitting and sewing cooperatives in Peru's Sacred Valley, near Ollantaytambo.

What is Awamaki?

A nonprofit, registered in both Peru and the U.S., that helps women's artisan cooperatives build their income through fair trade sales and community tourism.