Today we’d like to introduce you to Edoardo Quevedo Kcomt.
Hi Edoardo, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Founders
Sandra Huaman & Edoardo Quevedo Kcomt –
WUAMAN started with a simple idea: sharing a piece of Peru with our community here in Colorado.
My wife, Sandra, and I are both originally from Peru. Sandra comes from a family of artisans, and many of the skills and traditions that inspire our products have been passed down through generations of her family. After moving to Denver, we realized that many people had never experienced the quality, artistry, and cultural significance behind products made by Peruvian artisans, especially those made with alpaca fiber.
In 2019, we decided to take a chance and start WUAMAN. We began importing a few products made by Sandra’s family in Peru and selling them at local markets throughout the Denver metro area. During the fall and holiday seasons, we spent nearly every weekend setting up booths, meeting customers, and sharing the stories behind our products. Those early markets helped us build a loyal customer base and become part of Colorado’s incredible small business community.
Denver remains at the heart of our story. We still participate in many local fall and holiday markets, and our products can also be found year-round in local collective stores that support Colorado makers and small businesses. Maker’s Market, Curate Mercantile, and The Emporium, to name a few.
What makes WUAMAN especially meaningful to us is that this isn’t simply a business relationship with artisans in Peru; it’s family. Sandra’s family remains directly involved in creating many of our products, and we also partner with 19 other artisan small businesses throughout Peru. Together, we create small-batch products using traditional techniques such as hand embroidery, knitting, crochet, and loom weaving.
Today, WUAMAN supplies over 700 retailers across Colorado and throughout the United States, but our mission remains the same: to celebrate Peruvian craftsmanship while supporting artisan families through fair trade and sustainable practices.
Looking back, it’s amazing to think that what started as a husband-and-wife project at local Denver markets has grown into a business with customers and retail partners across the country. We are grateful to the Colorado community that supported us from the beginning and proud to serve as a bridge between the artisans of Peru and customers here in the United States.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. Like most small businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges along the way.
When we started WUAMAN in 2019, we were learning everything as we went. We were navigating international logistics, managing inventory, building a website, attending markets, and trying to grow a brand; all at the same time. There wasn’t a roadmap, so much of our journey has been learning through experience.
One of our biggest challenges came shortly after we launched when the pandemic disrupted both retail events and global supply chains. Many of the markets we relied on were canceled, and international shipping became much more difficult and expensive. As a small business, those obstacles can feel overwhelming, but they also forced us to become more adaptable and creative.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At WUAMAN, we specialize in handcrafted alpaca products and artisan-made goods from Peru. Our collection includes alpaca socks, scarves, hats, gloves, accessories, and handmade gifts, all created in small batches using traditional techniques such as hand embroidery, knitting, crochet, and loom weaving.
What makes our business unique is that we are not simply purchasing products from suppliers and reselling them. We work directly with the people who make our products and are actively involved in the design and development of many of the items we offer. From creating new products to refining existing designs, we collaborate closely with our artisan partners to bring ideas to life while staying true to traditional Peruvian craftsmanship. Many of those partners include Sandra’s family and 19 other artisan small businesses throughout Peru. These relationships allow us to offer authentic, original products while ensuring the artisans are fairly compensated for their work.
We’re best known for the quality of our products and the story behind them. Customers are often surprised when they feel alpaca fiber for the first time and learn about the craftsmanship that goes into every piece. We love being able to connect people not only with a beautiful product but also with the culture, traditions, and families behind it.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built on both sides of the business. In Peru, we’ve been able to create meaningful opportunities for artisan families while helping preserve traditional craftsmanship. Here in Colorado, we’ve built lasting relationships with customers, retailers, and fellow small business owners who have supported us from the beginning.
In a world where so many products are mass-produced, we believe people appreciate knowing who made their products and how they were made. Our goal has always been to serve as a bridge between talented Peruvian artisans and customers who value quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. That’s what continues to set WUAMAN apart.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
One piece of advice I would give to anyone starting out is not to wait until everything is perfect before taking action. When we launched WUAMAN, there were countless things we didn’t know. We didn’t have all the answers, but we learned by taking small steps, making mistakes, and continuously improving along the way.
Also, don’t be afraid to tell your story. People connect with authenticity. Some of our strongest customer and retailer relationships began because we shared who we are, where we come from, and why we started WUAMAN. Your story is often one of the most valuable things you have, and nobody can tell it better than you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wuaman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wuaman.official/
