We are a social enterprise led by a young woman from La Guajira, deeply in love with her land and passionate about social work.
Our Story
CARIBIA comes from the combination of the words CARIbean (Caribe) and UBIA, the indigenous capital of Colombia and a municipality in La Guajira, home to the largest Wayuu population.
We unite the power of nature and the talent of our ancestors to keep their culture alive and make art transcend.
We raise awareness to preserve our soil, our air, our home.
Our light is to dignify their art and value each piece crafted with inspiration.
We honor the lives of our ancestors by making their art visible and promoting their talent.
Who we are?
We are a social enterprise led by a young woman from La Guajira, deeply in love with her land and passionate about social work. At CARIBIA, we strive to promote and showcase ancestral crafts made by indigenous hands, preserving the weaving tradition. We offer beautiful, hand-made mochilas crafted by Wayuu communities in La Guajira, as well as by Arhuaco and Kankuamo artisans from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Cesar, Colombia. Our mission is to connect ancestral heritage with contemporary women's style.
Our artisand, the heart behind the brand
Our mission is to help preserve the art of Indigenous artisans from the Colombian Caribbean.
We promote the inspiration and genuine design of artisans. Each mochila is unique and carries stories, beliefs, and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Every woven stitch represents a connection to nature, ancestors, and all living things, transcending the material and enriching ancestral culture.
We work directly with Indigenous artisans under fair trade practices, recognizing their work with dignity and highlighting their artistry.
Since our inception in 2021, we have participated in Colombia's leading entrepreneurship fairs. Today, our mochilas are sold in top fashion stores in Bogotá, and we have an international presence in Miami, Florida.
Who is Gabriela, the founder of CARIBIA
Gabriela, the founder of Caribia, carries in her soul the warmth of La Guajira, the sound of vallenato, and the pride of a heritage rich in history and tradition. She was born in this land of contrasts, between the infinite sea and the golden desert, and from a young age, she learned to appreciate the art and resilience of her people. Her mother, also Guajira, instilled in her a love for her culture and the importance of honoring her roots. Gabriela is not only a passionate entrepreneur but also a mother—a role that has strengthened her vision and commitment to the social fabric of her community. Caribia was born in 2021 as a dream that merges her passion for social projects with her desire to create a real impact in the lives of indigenous communities. More than just a brand, Caribia is a bridge between worlds: the hands that weave with patience and wisdom and those who value authenticity and craftsmanship made with soul. Her work has led her to share stories with artisans, learn from their strength, and discover in each weave a tale of culture, tradition, and beauty. Gabriela loves her land, her people, and her gastronomy. She enjoys friche, stewed goat, and shrimp rice—flavors that remind her of who she is and where she comes from. But above all, her greatest driving force is her social sensitivity: she is deeply moved by working with vulnerable communities and children, creating opportunities, and weaving a more dignified future for them. “Each Caribia mochila is more than an accessory: it is a story woven with love, the voice of a community, and the soul of La Guajira traveling the world.”