About Ayni

The company 

Ayni was founded as a way to support the indigenous handicraft producers of Peru by creating a new market and spreading their ancient traditions to the rest of the world and is a result of the friendship and sisterhood between Karin Steinbach Paulsson and Francisca Aguilar Cinte who lived and worked together in Cusco, Peru from 2006 until 2009. Today their families still share a house in Cusco even if Karin spends most of her time running the shop in Stockholm between her frequent trips to Peru. Francisca coordinates all the shippings and stays in touch on a day-to-day basis with all of Ayni´s family, friends and producers in Peru. 

The Name

The word "ayni" comes from the quechuan language and means reciprocity. It describes the interchange of kindness and knowledge between people and win-win situations. The quechuan indigenous tribes in Peru still live by this as a social security system; today for you, tomorrow for me.


Handmade and Fairtrade

All of our products are handmade by skilled artisans from different places and indigenous tribes from all over Peru and each piece is made with pure love and dedication. Many of the skilled craftswomen and men are family members or close friends to Karin and Francisca so the best for all as a group is always in mind and direct trade is always practiced. We follow the 10 principles of fair trade in all our cooperation’s.

  1. Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
  2. Transparency and Accountability
  3. Fair Trading Practices
  4. Payment of a Fair Price
  5. Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
  6. Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association
  7. Ensuring Good Working Conditions
  8. Providing Capacity Building
  9. Promoting Fair Trade
  10. Respect for the Environment

By providing interest free micro loans and advance payment Ayni supports the families we work with to develop their productions and improve the life quality but there is also a personal commitment that goes beyond material needs. Both Karin and Francisca are godmothers to daughters from several of the families, a commitment that in Peru means a lifelong relationship where support and guidance in all of life´s areas are included. We wish to create a positive situation for everyone involved all the way from producer to consumer and along that way take small steps that brings us closer to the compassionate world we wish to be a part of.