Hemper

When you think about your business, what are you most proud of?

We have succeeded in creating a company that combines social commitment with economic development, which has allowed us to earn us the BCorp certificate for the highest standards of sustainability. We don t simply sell backpacks, we share a story about a special place: Nepal. There, families from the Bajura communities in the Himalayas continue to practice the traditional way of processing hemp, while boosting their careers through training so that they can be the economic drivers of their region. We also collaborate with women belonging to the lowest case, who embroider our fabrics. Through our project, they are empowered with working conditions that allow them to be independent, something that they are deprived of because of their social status.

What is the history of your commerce?

Alejandro and I decided to found Hemper in 2016. After a trip he undertook, we realised the importance of hemp weaving in Nepal and the great tradition of craftsmanship in its manufacture. In addition, we discovered that it was a material that opened up a world of possibilities when it came to creating pieces with a positive social and environmental impact. Comming from Cannabis, a plant that grows naturally in different areas of the Himalayas, it is antibacterial so it does not need chemicals and the soil in which it grows does not lose nutrients after several harvesting processes. It also involves people who live in the area giving them guarantees that allow them to develop their work.

What is your professional experience?

We started the project very young, so most ouf our experience comes from the Hemper journey.

How has covid 19 affected your business?

We realized that our main sales channels was e-commerce, which became more competitive as a result of COVID-19. Therefore, we are starting in B2B to be able to carry out interesting projects through collaborations. We have also opened a showroom to the public, for people to get to know us and soak up our history, our products and, in short, Hemper.

What services and products does your business provide?

We sell accessories that go with you wherever you want to go. Our products are designed so that you can carry items that you feel you need to take with you on a trip, on your way to the office or on an excursion.