About Us

The Peruvian Crafts Story - Proudly bringing the beauty of Peru to you since 1987

THE PERUVIAN CRAFTS STORY

NORCAL'S ORIGINAL PERUVIAN STORE

Peruvian Crafts is Northern California's original Peruvian store, proudly serving Old Sacramento since 1987.

For over three decades, we have connected our community with the rich and diverse culture of Peru. Our curated selection includes handmade artisan crafts, alpaca wool clothing, and authentic Peruvian souvenirs. We also feature traditional Peruvian snacks and food items.

At Peruvian Crafts, we believe in celebrating the artistry and heritage of Peru. By working directly with skilled Andean artisans, we ensure that our products are ethically sourced through fair trade practices that honor their craftsmanship and support their communities.

As a family-run business, we are deeply committed to sharing the vibrant culture of our heritage with our customers. Every purchase you make helps sustain the livelihoods of artisan families and contributes to the preservation of their rich traditions. We invite everyone to explore our store and discover the beauty and stories of Peru firsthand.

THE PERUVIAN CRAFTS STORY

Our Founder

Maria "Nelly" Duenas, our founder, established Peruvian Crafts out of a deep love for her homeland and its rich cultural heritage. Growing up in Peru, Nelly was captivated by the beauty of traditional handicrafts and fascinated by the skilled hands of the master craftsmen who made them. This passion would drive her to create a business that would showcase these treasures while supporting the artisans who created them.

After moving to the United States in 1986, Nelly found herself missing her home country of Peru. Seeing an opportunity to share her culture while also feeling closer to home, she decided to start her own business, one that sold Peruvian imports - The first of its kind in Northern California.

With determination and support from family and friends, she opened the doors of Peruvian Crafts in 1987. In the years following Nelly devoted herself to visiting Andean villages, building connections with skilled artisans, and helping them gain exposure and fair compensation for their exceptional craftsmanship. To this day, Peruvian Crafts continues to work with the families of these artisans that Nelly originally connected with, ensuring their legacy and traditions endure.

For the next 36 years, Nelly would pour her heart into the store, becoming a one woman operation. Running a successful business in the United States while taking the time fostering relationships with the artisans of Peru.

Although she stepped down from her leadership role in 2023 to spend more time with family, her influence and passion left a lasting impact. The current Peruvian Crafts team, made up of her extended family, carries on her legacy, upholding the values of artistry, culture, and community that she instilled in the store.