Laura Grier is a photojournalist, social-impact entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Andeana Hats—an ethical fashion brand connecting the world to the sacred artistry of Quechua women in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Known as the Indiana Jones of Adventure Travel Photography, Laura has spent over two decades documenting stories in more than 100 countries, with a focus on cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable travel.

Drawing from her background in photo-anthropology and a lifelong career capturing global narratives, Laura founded Andeana to help preserve ancient weaving traditions and create direct economic opportunities for indigenous artisans. Her passion project grew into a global movement that celebrates slow fashion, intention, and heritage through every handmade hat.

Every Andeana Hat and Intention Band is hand shaped or woven out of alpaca wool by Quechua artisans living in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The Quechua language is an oral or woven language; not written, so by keeping these weaving designs alive we are essentially keeping their language and history alive. These descendants of the Inca people are practicing what National Geographic refers to a “vanishing art”; an ancient weaving or embroidering tradition that has been passed down through the centuries by the women in their culture. Without a global marketplace to share and sell these goods, these traditions will die out.