Photo Karen Graham.
Amy Dechaine with some of her artisanal products imported from Ecuador in Millbrook’s Valley Shoppe.
How would you like to purchase some cozy, colourful Christmas gifts that support the local economy as well as artisans abroad who are sustaining ancient local traditions while sustaining their families? Alpaca Sweaters and More is your source.
Amy Dechaine grew up in Ecuador with her Canadian mother and Ecuadorian father. After three years of medical training at the university level, she decided to continue her education in Canada. After completing an undergraduate degree, she trained as a flight paramedic at Centennial College. For several years she worked with Ornge Air, first on flights and later in the office, but the arrival of children made reconsider her career, and she looked back home to Ecuador for inspiration.
She imagined handmade products from her home country would be appealing in Canada. Alpaca wool is made for Canadian weather- soft, warm and water-resistant. The material is available in a wide range of colours and products employ patterns based on traditional Inca designs. These products are taken for granted in Ecuador, but Amy thought they would be better appreciated here. She asked her father to send her a box of handmade textile items to sell at local craft shows to test her theory.
After three years of trial and error, Amy believes she has a feel for what sells and what doesn’t. She buys her product outright, so her producers have secure income. Her purchasing agent on the ground in Ecuador is careful in his selections, understanding that if his picks don’t pan out for Amy, his business is also in jeopardy. Among her products are colourful sweaters, scarves, ponchos, socks, throws and embroidered masks.
This spring, Dechaine’s business was gaining momentum. The entire year was booked with shows and she had even found a few local retailers willing to give her some shelf space in their shops, including the Valley Shoppe in Millbrook. When the shows shut down, she scrambled to find new distribution outlets. Her products are sold in a boutique in Lakefield and a new outlet in Peterborough called the Modern Makers’ Market which opens in November.
Alpaca Sweaters and More has a dedicated website and Facebook page which works for some products, particularly items where there is no size. Even then, unique handmade items are challenging to sell remotely because no two products are alike.
Amy rarely leaves the Kawarthas to sell her products—between craft, home, cottage and farm shows, she is able to move all of the product she orders. As a mother of two young children, this is appealing.
A self-confessed Type A personality, Amy has big plans for her business. She hopes eventually establish a co-op in Ecuador for local artisans, providing them with more consistent earnings and better tools. A Fair Trade certification would also demonstrate her commitment to workers’ rights and environmental standards.
Drop in to the Valley Shoppe in Millbrook to see a small sample of her extensive product range, or visit her website at www.alpacasweatersandmore.ca. KG
