Social Impact
We consciously source the bags from local artisans. Each handmade bag is purchased directly from the Wayuu artisan who made it at above market price. A portion of proceeds also goes back to the Wayuu communities.
The Wayuu Way
Each A-Line Wayuu Love mochila bag is handmade by the indigenous Wayuu women of Northern Colombia and hand-picked by our founder. Nestled in the harsh deserts of La Guajira, the Wayuu women are the heart of their villages or rancherias. Their knowledge of weaving and crocheting is passed down to their children, preserving a way of life aligned with their traditional values and a culture that Western influence has not touched.
Each bag reflects the spirit and passion of the weaver, using colour and pattern to tell the stories of the hands that made it. Made of wash-and-wear-resistant acrylic fibre manufactured in the La Guajira region of Colombia, each highly durable bag takes up to a month to complete.
As a social enterprise, A-Line Wayuu Love is deeply committed to elevating the lives of our artisan, purchasing our bags directly from the artisans at fair market prices, and working with them to invest in their communities.
From our Founder
Growing up in Toronto, Canada, one of the most diverse cities in the world, I was always drawn to the expressions of other cultures. As an Armenian-Canadian, I have a profound affection for the diaspora communities that make up my hometown. I know that what we make with our hands often passes down our stories more effectively than books.
As I began to travel the world with my family, I fell deeply in love with Colombia, returning to experience its warmth and its people. Back in Toronto with a colourful mochila bag, I was frequently stopped in the streets with questions about the origins of my beautiful souvenir.
Could my passion for the people of Colombia and my love of these bright, colourful, beautiful bags lead to a business that would support and sustain women and girls for whom weaving is one of the few means of earning an income?
And so, A-Line Wayuu Love was born to support Wayuu artisans living in La Guajira, the northernmost point of Colombia, while bringing their beautiful wares back to Canada. Leaving my family safe at home in Canada, I travel to Colombia 3 times a year to visit Wayuu villages and settlements, getting to know the weavers and their children and seeing the desert conditions first-hand.
Returning with their beautiful bags (and other accessories), we're just getting started. Thanks to the support of local independent stores and my loving friends and family, we've begun the path to sharing the Wayuu spirit. Durable, high-quality, one-of-a-kind bags will soon be available online and in stores near you.
Follow us on Instagram for updates.
Thanks for supporting A-Line Wayuu Love!
Aline Nalbandian
Where to Buy
Follow us on Insta @alinewayuulove for the latest updates!
A-line Wayuu Love mochila bags are available at our retail partners below. Not in Toronto? Contact us directly for your personal virtual shopping experience.
Private Appointments
Our showroom
Toronto, ON
alinenalbandian@rogers.com
Advice From a Caterpillar
41 Hazelton Ave
Toronto, ON M5R 2E3
416-123-5678
advicefromacaterpillar.ca
The Royal Hotel
247 Picton Main St
Picton, ON K0K 2T0
613-961-2600
theroyalhotel.ca
The Lobby by Heaps Estrin
Inner Beach
6 Elizabeth St South
Mississauga, ON L5G 2Y5
innerbeach.com
Clome & Co.
Visit their online shop:
clomeandco.com