Meet Kati
I am an ardent traveler and explorer at heart, driven by an insatiable desire for adventure and an unquenchable thirst for new experiences. For as long as I can remember, I’ve cradled a pair of knitting needles in my hands, intertwining my love for travel and creativity into a vibrant tapestry of life.
In 1980, at the age of 20, I took a leap of faith and moved to the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I began my journey as a 3rd-grade teacher in an American school. That summer, with a pocket full of savings and a heart full of wanderlust, I embarked on a backpacking trip through the enchanting landscapes of Peru.
Upon reaching Lima, I met a remarkable group of women who wove their lives and livelihoods through knitting. They welcomed me into their world, and what began as a casual afternoon turned into an unforgettable four-day immersion in their craft and culture. This serendipitous encounter transformed my life, igniting a spark that would fuel my passion for design.
Before continuing my travels, I sketched a design for my first sweater on a scrap of paper and asked the women to bring it to life. Their shy laughter filled the air, but they agreed. To my amazement, when I returned a month later from backpacking in Argentina, the sweater was completed with perfection.
By the end of that summer, I realized I wanted to create my own line of sweaters for the U.S.market, collaborating with the talented knitters I had come to adore in Peru. It was an ambitious dream - launching a business in a foreign land - yet I was undeterred.
I sought guidance from the knitwear designer Emma Camusso, who imparted invaluable design knowledge that transformed my visions into tangible creations. I also received advice from Gabor Stein in South Jersey, who shared the harsh realities of the fashion industry: “It’s tough and fiercely competitive, but surround yourself with a strong team and unique designs, and you’ll succeed.” His words still guide me today.
I started small, knitting children’s sweaters to sell in New England, and gradually built a network of representatives and trade show appearances.
My business was housed in a modest building just outside Lima, employing six dedicated knitters and a handful of administrative staff. We were a close-knit family, working tirelessly. The knitters balanced their knitting with family responsibilities, and our only “asset” was a second-hand white truck, tirelessly delivering yarn and collecting finished sweaters for export.
Fast forward thirty years and my women’s and children’s knitwear graced the shelves of over 1,200 specialty stores and renowned catalogs like Garnet Hill, Talbots, Neiman Marcus, and Children’s Wear Digest. I also had the privilege of working with private label clients in the United States, Germany, Finland, and Sweden.
In 2005, I was asked by USAID to assess the knitwear industry in the Ecuadorian provinces of Carachi and Imbabura. Witnessing firsthand the lives of these artisans filled me with profound appreciation for the craft I cherish.
Ama Nomad represents my latest entrepreneurial venture in India, while continuing to draw on my 40 years of designing and manufacturing in Peru. I find immense joy in immersing myself in this dynamic world of continuous creation.
At Ama Nomad, we believe that exceptional design emerges from meaningful collaboration. We work closely with our design team and empower artisans to preserve their traditional techniques, some of which have been handed down for over a millennium. Our commitment to using natural fibers ensures that our textiles are minimally processed, resulting in products that prioritize both the well-being of our artisans and the comfort of the wearer.
In addition to our apparel line, we are excited to introduce the Ama Nomad home collection that features beautifully hand block napkins, tea towels, and pillows. Each piece reflects our dedication to quality and the art of handcrafted design.
We invite you to explore both our fashion and home collections, which celebrate the elegance of minimalism intertwined with playful patterns. Our approach reinterprets traditional techniques, showcasing timeless cultural aesthetics and natural elements through handcrafted details.
At Ama Nomad, we are dedicated to delivering a unique twist on fashion and home decor that resonates with both heritage and contemporary style.