Diana, the factory's founder and owner, has been quietly practicing fair trade before she had ever heard the term. We sensed something special here two years ago on our first visit. Diana was running late. As she arrived, what we saw on the sewing floor was remarkable (having worked in the apparel industry most of our adult lives). Under the din of the salsa music on the sewing floor, several employees dropped what they were doing to greet Diana with a hug, a kiss on the cheek, a warm smile. Quite the opposite of "the boss is coming, look busy."
Two years later Diana is one of our most important suppliers. Bringing us organic pima cotton tees, dresses, skirts (and next year pants!). She has also created a great place to work. Employees like Walter and Juanita (below) have been here for many years (11 for Juanita) and commute up to 2 hours a day.
With so many garment factories in Lima, why travel so far? Chats with Walter, Juanita, and others paint a picture of of a place that not only pays fair wages, but also allows workers to truly grow. Diana partners with a local technical school with donations of machinery and fabric and pays for employees to use the school to learn more advanced skills. Turnover is a big problem in this business, but not here.
We have 8 styles going through production here today, in various stages. Very exciting to see it live...the styles are turning out gorgeous!
Thank you Diana and team! And thank you Fair Indigo customers for continuing to purchase products from this wonderful facility.
Walter works on FI style #1400 while Juanita works on #724. From their hands to your back!
Diana, smart businesswoman, neighborhood employer of choice, and all-around nice person (with her new friend Flop the Frog).
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