On any given morning, the Ecuadorian town of Otavalo is a living tapestry—alive with colour, texture, and the rhythmic hum of looms at work. Nestled in the Andean highlands, Otavalo is a place where weaving is more than a craft—it’s a way of life. The Indigenous Otavaleño people have been master weavers since pre-Incan times, and their skills continue to thrive in villages that honour centuries-old traditions.
Wander through the village and you’ll hear the soft clatter of mechanical and manual looms echoing from family workshops. This is a town that winds down at dusk, because its residents rise early—crafting beautiful, functional goods by hand, with purpose and pride.
Among them are Juan and Luz Maria, a husband-and-wife team who have dedicated their lives to the art of weaving. Juan learned the trade from his father, a pioneer of textiles in the region. Luz Maria inherited her knowledge from her own father, who worked with wooden looms. Together, they’ve passed down everything they know to their daughter Sandy—ensuring their family’s story continues for another generation.
For the past 25 years, they’ve built a family-owned business rooted in cultural heritage and sustained by modern tools. Their workshop now provides stable employment for 15 local families, offering not just economic opportunity but a sense of pride and continuity.
Our artisan partners don’t just weave blankets—they weave history, resilience, and love into every thread. And when you bring a Wylde Brigade textile into your home, you become part of that story too.