Ines' Interview
Interview with Ines Kuhl, our Head of Production at Beara Beara, about her recent trip to Bolivia.
Q1: Ines, you’ve been with Beara Beara since the very beginning. Can you share with us the story of how your personal connection to Bolivia and Beara Beara began, and how it’s evolved over the years?
A1: Over a decade ago, I came across Jake selling his bags at the Sunday Upmarket on Bricklane in East London. The distinct handcrafted work from Bolivia immediately caught my eye. This connection presented an opportunity to fulfill my father's dream of blending my career in fashion with my roots in Bolivia.
When I went back to Bolivia to work with Jake and reconnect with my family, it wasn’t merely a return to my origins; it marked the combination of my personal and professional life. Since then I have been traveling back and forth until I met my future husband and moved back for a few years.
Q2: Beara Beara has a strong connection with Bolivia and especially the craftsmen behind the bags. How vital is the sense of community within the company and how did it feel on your recent trip to Bolivia?
A2: Our connection with Bolivia runs deep, especially with the incredible craftsmen and women who bring our bags to life. It's not just about business; it's about a genuine bond that we have built over the years. Our recent trip to Bolivia was more than just a business trip – it was a really enriching experience, especially our weekend trip together where we took the workers and their families away for a fun weekend in the countryside.
Q3: Are there any notable milestones or moments that have stood out for you as Beara Beara has evolved?
A3: The first one was when we found out that Taylor Swift bought one of our satchels and was wearing it during her Red tour. We always knew we had a great product but as with any small brand you can get overlooked in favour of large famous brands but this gave us some international exposure and recognition which was great.
The second big change for me was when we opened our own workshop in Bolivia so we could have more influence on the working conditions of our workers and the quality of the production.
Q4: Beara Beara cares about giving back as much as possible to the Beara Beara family in Bolivia. Can you elaborate on the philosophy behind this approach, how it aligns with the brand’s values, and how you saw this in your recent Bolivia trip?
A4: I know the name of each person who is involved in the production, and I often meet their children and partners. I have been to weddings, to funerals, I’m there on the good days and the bad. With each decision we make in production, we always have their well-being in mind. We are the opposite of a big factory where faceless workers make fast fashion bags. . We pay a fair salary with health benefits and a stable job which is sometimes not easy to find in Bolivia. Every year we designate a budget to reward our employees for their hard work and improve their standards of living where we can. We recently opened a canteen so they don’t have to go home to get lunch, and so they can finish work earlier and enjoy more free time with their families. Whether it be the monthly healthy food packs we buy, the free transport, the educational classes, helping fund their University studies or contribute to funeral costs or medical bills, our main aim is to be there when they need us.
Q5: In the journey of building Beara Beara, what challenges have you faced together and how did you overcome them and did you see any of these in your recent trip to Bolivia?
A5: Over the years of working in the fashion industry in different countries, I need to work only with people I can trust and also have a passion for their work. Sometimes it’s not the most economical decision, but it’s important that when there’s a crisis, people come together to help. It gives everyone the security that we have each other backs and that we’re all appreciated and valued.
Q6: Beara Beara is known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical craftsmanship. How do these principles impact your job and could you highlight any parts of this in your recent trip to Bolivia?
A6: The main part is for me to treat everyone equally and with respect in the workplace. If you have a secure job, and you are happy to go to work, it affects not only your work but also your private life. We train and provide a stable environment in which you can work and as is common in Bolivia support many family members at once, children, parents and grandparents.
By sourcing the leather in Bolivia, we use the by-products of the meat industries. So until people in Bolivia don’t change their diet, I am happy we use all parts of the animal.
Q7: If you could describe all the above and your experience with Beara Beara in just one word, what would it be?
A7: Family.