We put people at the center. Thanks to our work for CARAMBA, we are creating perspectives for the CARAMBA mamitas in Peru and strengthening sustainable thinking and action in Switzerland. Fair fashion means putting consideration for nature and people first. CARAMBA produces exquisite knitwear in Peru. In the future we may expand the range to include additional product lines. The most important concern is the social and environmental sustainability of CARAMBA products.
CARAMBA provides our ten employees, the Mamitas, with a path out of poverty and into a self-determined life. “Mamita” is an affectionate Spanish term for mother. Often single parents and affected by a difficult fate, the Mamitas manage to enable their children to receive a school education thanks to their work at CARAMBA - this fills them with pride and courage. In our project, friendships are made and maintained, and the women receive support and advice. The positive influence on the self-esteem of these women is the indispensable driving force behind CARAMBA. Find out more about what CARAMBA means in the lives of the Mamitas in the portraits.
Luckily, I discovered USPE and CARAMBA a while ago. I couldn't knit before and didn't know much about housekeeping or parenting. Thanks to what I earn at CARAMBA, I bought a stall at the market where I sell when my four children are at school. When my children are at home, I look after them and also knit for CARAMBA. My children are always my first priority and CARAMBA gives me the chance to enable my children to do more - educationally and materially.
My husband works far away. My three children do a lot of work: I take them to school, pick them up and do their homework with them. What I earn at CARAMBA goes to my children: food, school-related expenses, etc. Yes, CARAMBA is a big help to us. Hopefully our products will become more and more popular – far away where they are available for purchase.
The father of my five children is away and cannot support the children. I now live with another man who contributes money to the household. Unfortunately, he only has work every now and then. Luckily there is CARAMBA. I want to finance a good education for my children and that is why I depend on this work. My big wish: that all of my children become professionals - with completed training. I don't have any training myself, but I'm proud that I can build something for my children through my work at CARAMBA. The fact that I can do my work from home also allows me to take good care of my children.
We moved from the country to Alto Trujillo in 2007. In 2009 I discovered the USDA studios. I could already knit, but at CARAMBA I learned the necessary patterns. I soon became a permanent member of the CARAMBA group and the CARAMBA income was a welcome help for my husband, our three boys and me. Due to an accident, I was unable to put any weight on my hand for a long time. Even before I was fully fit again, Liliana gave me work again and I was able to pay for the doctor and medicine. Now I can even put money aside for my children's education.
My husband and I have two children. He sometimes doesn't bring home enough money to support us. That's why I used to work as a laundress in the city - but neglected my children as a result. Since I've been able to knit for CARAMBA, I've been much more flexible. My children receive the attention and affection they deserve. CARAMBA strengthens our family unity and brings us financial security.
I have three children; two daughters (6 and 20) and a son (17). The two older children don't live with me, but I support them as best as I can. The younger daughter comes from my last relationship, which unfortunately broke up because my ex-partner returned to his mother. By working at CARAMBA I can now make a living for my daughter and myself. I'm grateful for that.
My wish: CARAMBA should exist forever and generate many orders. What I need? I would like to furnish my house and make it comfortable. CARAMBA has changed my life because I am finally earning enough money to enable my three children and I to lead a regular life. The fact that I can do my work from home also allows me to take optimal care of my children. CARAMBA – that’s just great.
I learned to knit in the USPE studios and was able to send my two girls Marita and Nicole to school at the same time. With CARAMBA I can now earn money to finance our daily lives and improve our quality of life. We use the word “Caramba” correctively or admiringly: “Caramba, just sit still!” I say to a lively child. But also: "Caramba, what a good testimony you have brought home!"
We consist of a core team in Switzerland and our loyal employees in Peru. Since the beginning, CARAMBA's vision has become a matter close to the hearts of many who have gifted the label with personal commitment and helped shape it thanks to their inspiration and experiences.
Through this collective and with Michèle's tireless drive to create perspectives for the people in Peru, CARAMBA was able to continue to grow. And we are eternally grateful for the passion and commitment of philosophy by the CARAMBA family.
Founder, Management
Project Manager, Switzerland
Communication, Switzerland
Project Manager, Peru
Product Manager, Peru
Product Manager, Peru
We create perspectives and bring joy – to you as well as to our Mamitas and their families in Alto Trujillo, Peru.
All CARAMBA products are knitted or sewn by hand with a lot of love by our employees, the Mamitas, in the poor district of Alto Trujillo in Peru. Our most important concern is the social and ecological sustainability of our collections. A third of the net profit of every CARAMBA product sold goes to our Peruvian aid projects to empower women, educate children and fight malnutrition.
Thanks for your support!
