26 years ago she started making clothes for her family and now Manuela Pilco runs Kinka and sends her Andean designs abroad

His first creations began in 1997 when Manuela Pilco and her family decided to start in the textile sector by creating fashion with a Kichwa identity. Along the way, that venture became Kinku, a business partnership. Juan Carlos Illichachi is the general manager of this family company, which for the past 26 years has strengthened the identity of its city with its design, and says that they managed to expand and open stores in Quito, Guayaquil and Riobamba.

How was Kinku born?

It was Mrs. Manuela Pilco, who emigrated from the community of Cacha de Chimborazo to Quito together with her husband and children and decided to start this family project as a way of surviving in the city. Despite the fact that at first his work was not appreciated by his people, he persevered and grew little by little.

In 2017, we decided to become a company, we started as a de facto venture, with the participation of five people. Then the name Kinku appears. Currently, it is a family company constituted as a SAS company in which Manuela Pilco, Ana Janeta, Kaya Janeta, Byron Janeta and I participate as the general director.

Before they have already made for internal consumption, does the trade come from generations?

Manuela started making the first clothes for her daughters and family, since there was no brand in Quito that offered puruha costumes and she did not want to limit herself to the high demand for Otavalan clothing. The textile knowledge that Manuela used came from her parents, who passed down their skills to her in their Cacha-Chimborazo community. In return, Manuela taught her children this family trade. Kinku took advantage of this generational tradition and combined traditional knowledge with the aim of positioning his venture in the Ecuadorian market.

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What does kinko mean?

Kinku is a Kichwa term that means zigzag, curve, winding. It represents the movement of everything that exists in nature and the cosmos, the path of the Sun during the day and the path of the Moon at night, water that moves zigzag, the shape of our wetlands, our crops, etc. These symbols have been embodied in the design of costumes and objects of the Andean peoples for thousands of years.

What was the first Kinku location and how did they grow?

The first location was opened in 2010 in the center of Quito. In the same year, we managed to strengthen our basic workshop by purchasing some machines and involving support staff.

As our reputation and demand grew, we made the decision to expand to other cities. In April 2021, after Kinku was established as a company, we opened our second store, in Guayaquil; and in February 2022 we opened a third store, in Riobamba.

How was the reception in Guayaquil? Who are your biggest customers?

It was very positive. Guayaquil concentrates a very large population of indigenous people from the province of Chimborazo, which is why there is a great demand for clothing and products with the Puruhá identity. Our direct clients in Guayaquil are people belonging to indigenous peoples and nationalities, supplemented by clients who make up the general public who appreciate fashion with a cultural identity.

Which clothes sell the most?

Hand- and machine-embroidered blouses, anacosi, necklaces, cloths, sandals, belts and bags or shikra as it is known in kicva. For men, shirts and ponchos. These traditional garments from the Kichwa Puruhá culture are in high demand among our customers.

We see on the networks that many people from abroad order their relatives here in Ecuador.

It is very common. This is because Kinku represents a connection to the country’s cultural and ethnic roots. Our authentic designs and the quality of our clothing appeal to people who want to maintain and celebrate their cultural identity, even when they are far from their homeland. In addition, they are well appreciated by foreigners who see our products as very typical and specific to our country, which is why they have requested many international shipments.

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What are the main challenges of doing business of this nature?

Overcome stigma and discrimination. For many years, trade with our characteristics and aimed at the indigenous population was unthinkable. We had to break stereotypes and work hard for Kinku to be recognized as a fashion brand with Andean identity, which values ​​and respects our symbols and cultural roots.

How did they manage to deal with the pandemic?

We strengthened our online presence, improving our online sales platforms and social networks through Marketing. We also adopt biosecurity measures in our physical stores to guarantee the safety of our customers and employees. In addition, we maintained close communication with our customers and home delivery.

What are Kinku’s plans?

Our goal is to continue expanding throughout the country. We are evaluating the possibility of opening more stores in different cities of Ecuador and continue to promote fashion with Kichwa identity. Although internationalization is a long-term goal, we are currently focused on consolidating our presence at the national level and strengthening our brand in the Ecuadorian market.