Ninakuru

Translated from Quechua, the language of the Incan people, Ninakuru means “firefly”, reminding us that self-worth and true beauty radiate from within, and each of us has an inner glow worthy of being noticed. As a company, we recognize that success can only be realized by valuing and nurturing the potential, creativity and talents of others. By igniting the inner light that resides within all of us, we can make something truly extraordinary.

Our accessories are the culmination of a movement to redefine quality. We take the utmost care at every step of the process to honor every person, material and design decision that contributes to the end product. Because when we respect the creative process and treat people with dignity, an unparalleled level of detail and quality is realized which is not only masterful, but meaningful as well.

You can see this holistic quality in our tighter weaves. In the flawless surfaces of our cruelty-free felts. In the perfection of our slow stitch embroidery and the exquisite detailing of our unique finishes.

When you invest in a Ninakuru, you are not only investing in an heirloom-quality piece that will stand the test of time, you are investing in human goodness through a cycle of restorative relationships built on respect, dignified wages and self-worth.

During her 14-year post college residence in Ecuador, where she pursued her career in international trade, Jennifer was inspired by the traditional folkloric costumes of native Andean cultures, with their mastery of hand-loomed textiles, intricate beadwork, and vibrant colors. She fell in love with the art of fine hat making and the talented artisans with whom she worked, developing her own unique style which honors the Andean culture while elevating it with a Californian design aesthetic.

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of Jennifer's creations is their holistic quality. When you experience a Ninakuru, you sense that the beauty of the finished product is magnified by the integrity of the process and the loving respect held for everyone who had a hand in its making. By sourcing the highest quality sustainable materials and raising the standard of ethical practices in the fashion industry, Jennifer has built a reputation not only as a designer of fine hats and accessories, but as a true advocate dedicated to building restorative relationships.

Above all, Ninakuru is timeless. Jennifer's brilliant combination of clean, minimalistic elegance with artisanal elements such as handwoven textiles, pompoms, tassels, and a wide palette of colors, result in collections rich in quality, value, and story. Since 2014, the brand has been steadily growing from a handful of curated boutiques and catching the attention of a sophisticated and mindful clientele in the US and Europe.