Gaétan BOUZAC Gaétan BOUZAC, who graduated from EDHEC with an MSc in Strategy & Organization in 2014, has teamed up with a friend to launch the PACHAMAMA project.

What is your concept?

GB : PACHAMAMA is a brand of leather backpacks. The product range includes three models with different sizes and colours, priced between €99 and €149.
PACHAMAMA adopts a socially responsible approach. Each backpack is 100% handmade in Bolivia at a fair trade-certified workshop using the highest-quality locally-sourced raw materials.
Our ambition is to develop a product range that celebrates local craftsmanship combined with a contemporary urban design.
You can find out more about our project and products on our website: www.pachamama-handcraft.com.
We are currently in a phase where communication is incredibly important. That’s why we need you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, ask your friends to like us and share our posts. And tell those around you about PACHAMAMA!
And if you feel like it, order your favourite model :)

How did this idea come about?

GB : Last year the co-founder and I spent several months travelling around South America, Bolivia in particular. There we met local craftworkers with exceptional know-how in leather goods. So we came up with the idea of promoting their craft skills and sharing it with the rest of the world, while adding our own influences. We fine-tuned the design, reworked the dimensions and materials used, and PACHAMAMA was born!

Have you ever benefited from the EDHEC network?

GB : I benefited from the support of the EDHEC Entrepreneurship Chair while developing my business model. I hope to be able to benefit further from this invaluable support and perhaps even earn a spot at the Station F incubator where EDHEC owns premises.

What advice do you have for young EDHEC entrepreneurs?

GB : Not to hesitate if you have a project in mind. It won’t necessarily succeed immediately, and your path will be littered with obstacles, but ultimately the personal satisfaction of having taken on the challenge and learned many new skills makes it worth trying.

More info:

Website: https://www.pachamama-handcraft.com
Facebook: pachamama.bags
Instagram: pachamama.bags