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Meet Guisela Pinto of Divas Fair Trade

Today we’d like to introduce you to Guisela Pinto.

Hi Guisela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Divas Fair Trade began with a simple but powerful idea: to honor artisans, preserve cultural heritage, and create meaningful connections between the people who make beautiful things and the people who wear them.
My journey started over 20 years ago, rooted in my deep connection to Peru and the Andean culture. Growing up surrounded by rich traditions, textiles, and handcrafted jewelry, I saw firsthand the incredible talent of artisans—many of whom carry Inca ancestry and generations of knowledge passed down through their families. Despite their skill, their work was often undervalued, and opportunities were limited.
Together with my husband, I began working directly with artisan communities in Cusco, the Andes, and later in Lima and Bolivia. We focused on building long-term, respectful relationships based on fair wages, transparency, and mutual trust. What started as small-scale collaborations grew into Divas Fair Trade—a brand committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and cultural respect.
Over the years, Divas Fair Trade has evolved, but our mission has remained the same. Today, we proudly offer alpaca products and handcrafted 950 silver jewelry made with natural stones, each piece reflecting the artistry, history, and identity of the people who create it. Every item tells a story—not just of beauty, but of resilience, ancestry, and community.
Divas Fair Trade is more than a business; it is a bridge between cultures. By choosing our products, customers are not only supporting fair trade practices but also helping artisan families sustain their livelihoods, preserve their traditions, and thrive with dignity.
This journey has been one of purpose, learning, and deep gratitude—and it continues with every artisan we support and every customer who believes that what we wear can truly make a difference.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been a smooth road—and that is an honest part of our story.

Like many mission-driven businesses, we have faced challenges at every stage of the journey. One of the biggest struggles has been educating customers about the true value of fair trade and handcrafted work. Ethical production takes time, skill, and care, and competing with mass-produced goods has required constant storytelling, transparency, and advocacy. Helping people understand why fair wages, quality materials, and cultural preservation matter has been an ongoing effort.
Building and maintaining trust-based relationships with artisans across regions also requires patience and deep commitment. Communication barriers, limited resources, and access to tools or technology have sometimes slowed growth—but they have also strengthened our relationships and reinforced the importance of collaboration.
There were moments when continuing felt uncertain, but each challenge reminded us why Divas Fair Trade exists. These struggles shaped our resilience, sharpened our values, and reaffirmed our mission to support artisans with dignity, respect, and long-term opportunity.
Every obstacle has become part of the foundation that allows Divas Fair Trade to stand strong today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Divas Fair Trade?
Divas Fair Trade is an ethical brand specializing in handcrafted alpaca products and fine 950 silver jewelry made with natural stones. Our work is rooted in fair trade principles, cultural preservation, and long-term partnerships with skilled artisans from Peru, many of whom carry Inca ancestry and generations of traditional knowledge.
What sets us apart is our direct, hands-on relationship with artisan communities. We do not work through intermediaries. Every product is the result of close collaboration, respect for heritage techniques, and a shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and fair compensation. This approach allows us to offer truly unique pieces that cannot be mass-produced or replicated.
We are especially known for jewelry that blends ancestral inspiration with minimalist, contemporary design—pieces that feel timeless, meaningful, and distinctive. Our alpaca products are equally intentional, combining natural fibers, functionality, and elegant craftsmanship.
Divas Fair Trade actively seeks wholesale partnerships with retailers who value authenticity, ethical sourcing, and storytelling. Our collections are ideal for boutiques and shops looking to attract a select, conscious customer—one who appreciates quality, origin, and purpose behind what they purchase. Our products stand out on shelves because each piece carries a story of culture, artistry, and impact.
Brand-wise, what we are most proud of is trust—trust built over more than 20 years with artisans, customers, and partners. We are proud that our brand represents dignity, transparency, and real impact, not trends. Every purchase supports artisan families, sustains cultural traditions, and contributes to resilient communities.
We want readers to know that Divas Fair Trade is more than a product line. It is a bridge between cultures, a commitment to ethical business, and an invitation to offer customers something rare: beauty with meaning.

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