The Brand
Samantha Holmes Alpaca is the small international trading company I set up in my back bedroom in 2003. We specialise in soft, cosy alpaca clothing, homeware, babywear and gifts. Each item is beautifully made and hand-finished by our artisans in Peru in butter soft alpaca wool.
I design the collection. My assistant, Gayle, handles day-to-day order administration, with a larger team in Glasgow managing packing and despatch. Still trying to elicit photos of these important people, but they are quite shy!
I have travelled extensively in Peru, visiting each year to meet my makers, many of whom we've known for 20 years. Essayu, our head knitter, managed to build a new family home on the proceeds of the first few years’ income. Most important is Paola, who has been central to production from the get-go. Like me, she has two children and our business and families have flourished together.
Our business is predominantly wholesale and export. The majority of our customers are small independent retailers.
What inspired you?
First and foremost alpaca of course! I'm biased, but it is the most amazing fibre on earth! Even now when I open a box of freshly delivered alpaca scarves, it fills my senses!
I was working with cashmere when I first learnt about alpaca and loved its product story ... the textile heritage of Peru, the "gold of the Andes" treasured by Inca nobility, its unique butter softness, the families who've knitted and woven alpaca for hundreds of years and its myriad of natural colours. I've always been inspired by travelling and walking in mountainous scenery, so it was a natural next step to explore Peru.
My mother was from a family of seamstresses. Sadly she didn't manage to pass on her talent with a sewing machine to me, but she did pass on her passion for fabric, colour, drape and detail. I was also in awe of my Aunt's clothing design talent - she was Angela Holmes, founder of English couture label, Droopy & Brown. I briefly enjoyed importing cashmere pashminas from a small weaving cooperative in Nepal, but it was alpaca, and finding a gap for it in the market where I found my passion.
BRAND ETHOS
Ethically Sourced
Our alpaca yarn is made in Peru by two long established companies, who source their alpaca fibre ethically and have active social responsibility programmes, investing proceeds back into poorer Peruvian communities.
Our Alpaca fur is sourced from herd wastage resulting from harsh Peruvian winters. No alpaca is slaughtered for its skin. It is not financially viable for farmers to do so - the skins are tiny and worth little compared with fleeces which can be shorn during a whole lifetime and spun into yarn. Alpacas can live over 15 years promising shearing potential of far greater value than a single pelt.
Traditional Craftsmanship
Each our our alpaca products is finished by hand in our studios in Peru, following a tradition which goes back centuries. Alpaca was once prized by the Inca nobility for its unique silky softness, durability and insulating properties. Our artisans are self-employed home workers and small family businesses.
Our small batch production ensures minimal wastage, more flexibility and attention to detail.
Sustainable and Natural
Our designs transcend seasonal trends. We are a 'slow fashion' brand focusing on product longevity and simplicity. Nearly everything we produce is 100% natural. Alpacas come in 22 recognised shades, ranging from black, grey, brown to cream and white which avoids the need for dyes, and the dyes we do use are Azo free.
Alpacas themselves are well known for their minimal impact on the environment. They tread lightly with their soft padded feet, yield higher annual volume of fleece than sheep and have efficient grazing habits. Alpaca farming also requires no harsh chemicals.
Trusted and Well Established
Loyal to alpaca since 2003, we have repeat customers all over the world. 60% of our turnover is repeat business. We have a longstanding relationship with our makers, some of whom we've worked with since 2003. We remain true to our original values and are still a small Scottish business.
Women Owned and Run
Girl Power… Founded by Samantha, the business is almost entirely run by women. Our knitting operation in Peru is run by Paola in Lima, who also employs a core team of women who assist her with finishing and quality control. Our pack and dispatch operation is an independent business in Glasgow run by Maureen and Sue with Lynn, our Head Packer. To avoid this sounding too woke however, I should mention that we do have some very capable fellas in the supply chain too!
The company is still owned and run by Samantha Holmes from her home on the west coast of Scotland.
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