Founder Elena started Handmade Stories while stranded in Peru during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. She had been volunteering with women that live in rural communities and don’t have access to jobs. When the pandemic started, the volunteering organisation closed operations and left those women more isolated than ever. Elena decided to stay and start a business to support them. She now also works with other local families and men in prison so they can have a fair source of income and keep their traditions alive.