When you shop Chimuk, you change lives!

 

When you buy a Chimuk product, you are making a 3x positive impact in the world: socially, culturally, and environmentally. You empower Peruvian women to work their way out of poverty, so that they may provide for their families, and pave the way for the next generation of change-makers. 

 

SOCIAL IMPACT

Chimuk, most importantly, works to empower women & create pathways out of poverty. Our first priority is the mental, emotional & economic well being of the women that make up the brand, many of whom did not know how to knit when they first started attending our sessions in 2017. For many women, this is their first and main source of income, and a happy alternative to harvesting agricultural fields, a common job in our community. Every Friday we run a workshop that focuses on holistic health measures- including psychology, talks with health professionals, yoga and meditation. Chimuk has not only given them dignified work and financial sustainability, it has also given them a sense of self worth and of communal support.

CULTURAL IMPACT

Chimuk is named after the Chimu civilization (900-1400 AD). We incorporate Chimu iconography into many of our products. Our community center and knitting workshop is located right next to Chan Chan, the oldest largest mud-brick city in the world and the capital of the Chimu civilization.

Juana and Cleotilde in Chan Chan proudly showing their beautiful hand knit scarves 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

We use eco- conscious fibres locally sourced from Peru. Ensuring the highest quality and local support of other Peruvian businesses. We source our yarns from two Peruvian suppliers: IncaTops and Itessa. 

Alpaca

IncaTops provides 100% traceable and responsible Alpaca wool. Alpacas are native to Peru, and have a long history of tradition in Peruvian culture. Alpcaca is a sustainable option as it has minimal impact on the vegetation, landscape and natural resources that the alpacas graze in. Alpaca is a soft and extremely strong fibre. It is hypoallergenic and up to 3 times warmer than sheep wool! Inca Tops uses minimal chemical intervention in its dying process. We use Baby Alpaca in our products.

Cotton

We use sustainable Tangüis Cotton from Peru. Tanguis is up to 3 times stronger and more durable than regular cotton. Tangüis is a highly breathable fibre that requires little water to grow and can be harvested up to 6 times a year!