We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bernarda Pelaez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bernarda, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Entrepreneurial optimism I think comes from a deep-rooted passion, in my case I love and believe in what I do and when things go wrong I believe that being optimistic and believing in your passion is what keeps you going. Working on something that you genuinely care about, fuels your determination and optimism to overcome obstacles and achieving goals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Bernarda Pelaez, a Bolivian Latin woman with an indomitable spirit, has carved a unique path as the founder of YAPA, an innovative alpaca knitwear brand based in New York. With a deep commitment to sustainability and a passion for preserving traditional craftsmanship, Bernarda has successfully merged modern and fun designs with the rich heritage of her homeland, Bolivia. Through YAPA, she has not only created a thriving business but has also empowered local artisan knitters, highlighting their skills and celebrating their cultural heritage. Born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia the highest capital of the world, Bernarda grew up surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes and the rich cultural tapestry of her country. From an early age, she developed a deep appreciation for Bolivia’s traditional textile crafts, particularly the artistry involved in creating exquisite alpaca knitwear. Her Bolivian heritage became a powerful source of inspiration, fueling her desire to showcase the beauty of these handmade garments to the world.
Bernarda founded YAPA in 2019, an alpaca knitwear brand that seamlessly combines style, sustainability, and social responsibility. YAPA’s name is derived from the Quechuan word “YAPA,” which means “to give and to receive.” This ethos reflects Bernarda’s vision of creating a brand that not only provides beautiful, high-quality garments but also uplifts the people that produce them.
YAPA’s Unique Approach is the brands commitment to sustainability and empowering local artisans. Bernarda travels back to Bolivia regularly, seeking out talented artisan knitters who possess generations of knowledge in working with alpaca fiber. By collaborating directly with these artisans, she ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and the preservation of traditional techniques. This approach not only fosters economic stability within local communities but also showcases the exceptional craftsmanship behind each YAPA creation.
YAPA’s designs are a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Bernarda’s keen eye for contemporary fashion trends allows her to infuse modern and fun elements into traditional alpaca knitwear. The result is a collection that effortlessly bridges the gap between heritage and the modern world, captivating fashion enthusiasts across the globe. By embracing innovation while honoring cultural roots, Bernarda has created a brand that appeals to those seeking both style and substance.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back I think three qualities or things that what kept me going is first that I knew YAPA was something I really believe in and that I was passionate about I wasn’t working only for success or for the money but I was also enjoying the journey. At the beginning as an entrepreneur you have to wear different hats and work very hard. This is why starting a business in a field that you are truly passionate about is important. When you are passionate about what you do, you’ll be more motivated to overcome challenges and work towards success. The second thing I think was that I wanted to create a unique brand that represented my Latin and Bolivian essence to share it with the world: Finding a niche or Identifying a problem or a need in the market and creating a product or service that addresses it I think is something that generally works. Businesses that provide valuable solutions or that propose new or different things generally tend to have better chances of success.
At last I would say that it’s important to Conduct market research before launching your business, conduct comprehensive market research to understand your target audience, competitors, and industry trends. This will help you make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.
If I Had to give any advise I would say embrace failure as a learning opportunity: nothing is perfect. Entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs. Embrace failures and setbacks as learning experiences. Analyze what went wrong, make adjustments, and use those lessons to grow and improve.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
There are many books that are impactful and helpful but if you want to start a business in fashion The Fashion Business manual is a great and very simple tool to understand the basics on how the fashion industry works and how to create a retail business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yapaofficial.com
- Instagram: @yapaofficial_ny
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yapaofficial?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Copy Rights YAPA, photos Emmanuelle Lhote IG, @emmanuelle_lhote
