Background
Carry Somers was born in Seaton, Devon in 1966 and attended Colyton Grammar School. After completing a degree in Languages and European Studies, she took a Masters in Native American Studies. It was whilst researching the changes in textile production in the Andes, that she came across two producer groups who had experienced arson attacks and began to create designs in order to provide them with access to market. A planned PhD in natural dyes was put on hold and she began to work with more groups of marginalised, rural producers in the Andes. By 2009 she was supporting 1200 weavers, embroiderers, knitters, felt-makers and milliners in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Sales have been used to fund community development projects such as building a grocery store and support for alcoholics and their families.
Carry Somers met her American husband in Ecuador as a result of 9/11. She had flown to Ecuador on 9/11 with her daughter, Sienna, and her future husband, Mark Rogers, was due to fly out but his flight was delayed. Mark Rogers is a sculptor and his work was exhibited several times at the White House when Bill Clinton was president.
Carry speaks nationally and international on topics including fair trade, entrepreneurship, sustainability, fashion and certification.
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