Our Brand Story

The idea for Little Inka was sparked on a trip to Peru in 2015...

After a trip to the Sacred Valley of Peru for Karin's wedding, Karin shared the idea with Misha for a Peruvian textile import business that could give back to the communities that the textiles originate from. They could call it Little Inka, after the bird of the same name, a small finch that lives at the base of the Peruvian Andes Mountains. The Little Inka finch, although small, is mighty, majestic, and bold, like the Inka people of Peru.

And with that, the idea for Little Inka was born. With Karin's passion, vision, and deep knowledge of Peruvian culture and Misha's experience in digital marketing and business, the two are a force to be reckoned with. They are living their vision of bringing the beauty of the work of the Peruvian artisan to every home around the world, as well sharing the stories that Peruvian textiles tell.

“These textiles are sacred cloth, woven from the threads of memory by Andean hands that are at last firmly in control of their destiny. Each tells a story, and each story is a prayer for the well-being of the people, the land, and the community.”

Karin Florez, Little Inka co-founder, has deep Peruvian roots.  She was born in Lima, Peru and traveled with her family to live in Houston, Texas when she was only 11 years old.  For as long as she can remember, Karin felt a connection to the textiles of the country and loves the history and tradition of the craft.  Karin is a social worker and musician and lives in Austin, Texas with her family.  

Misha Rangel, Little Inka co-founder, made her first trip to Peru in 2015 for Karin's wedding in the Sacred Valley of Cuzco.  She, too, fell for the bright and bold colors of the textiles and was fascinated by the culture and history of the Inka region.  Misha is a leader in the marketing world and lives in Austin, Texas with her family.