We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Espino and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Andrea, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Patience. I believe that be willing to accept the process has been the most remarkable lesson. Things do not happen out of nowhere, it requires effort, organisation and resilience, but mostly patience. Because developing all of these skills, even more if it is the first time you start a business, takes time and a great part of it is trial and error.
Don’t be hard on yourself, you are learning, it is the first time you are doing this so there is a great possibility it will not be easy, but with patience the learning process is easier.
Always take a moment to think why you do what you do.
What should our readers know about your business?
Casa Quechua is a social driven business that has among its principles sustainability and fair trade. We work with Peruvian textile artisans from Andean communities, our mission is to help them share with the world the pillows, carpets and wool runners that they handcraft. Textile production is key for the economy of these communities and carries with it ancestral knowledge, following a 100% artisanal process.
I am truly proud about what we do as for me it represents to nurture the world with my cultural heritage. It has not been easy, creating your own business is a lot of multi-tasking and involves being persistent and developing technical skills.
Overcoming challenges was only possible through organization, and I wish I had learned this sooner. When you materialize an idea you become the owner of it, so if you do not work for it, nobody else will. Being the owner changes your mindset because it will grow just as much as you plan for it.
I had to specialize in several areas like web development, SEO, branding and social media management if I wanted to escalate and become an e-commerce. And that was something I realized during the execution, so the growth was kind of paralyzed for a time. With this, I learned to always plan before hand, even if you feel like it delays the execution of the project.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If it was winter, I would definitely go skiing to Vail and have something to eat at Vendettas or the Red Lion. Later in the night go to the George or Route 6 for a karaoke night. The next day we would head to Iron Mountain Hot Springs to relax and enjoy the view.
If it was summer it would be camping in Rocky Mountain National Park where we can enjoy the view.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner Nicolas, whose support has been key throughout the process, and my best friend Paula, who helped me with the development of the brand—thank you both for always believing in me.
Website: https://www.casaquechua.com/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casaquechuape