Pachacuti in 1992 having completed a Masters in Native American studies. She acknowledges being inspired by
Anita Roddick and began in a small way by working with two cooperatives – both fi nancing them and working
directly with them to produce a range of clothes. Initial business success came easily on a small scale at least: this
fi rst range sold out within six weeks (http://shop.pachacuti.co.uk/about-us-1-w.asp). Pachacuti now specializes in
Panama hats, and Somers has set up initiatives which continue to directly support her weavers in a myriad of
ways, including profi t retention, providing pension schemes and fi nancing loans. Due to the activities of Pachacuti,
traditional skills are being preserved, endorsing the rich textile heritage of the Andes