In 2018, one trip to Peru changed everything. Adventure photographer Laura Grier was traveling through the Sacred Valley when she met a group of Quechua women whose traditional weaving practices and insane hat game sparked something in her—a desire to do more than just document stories. She wanted to help preserve them.
What began as a photo assignment evolved into a lifelong partnership and a social enterprise. In this powerful talk, Laura shares how her collaboration with indigenous artisans became the foundation of Andeana Hats, a regenerative fashion brand and nonprofit that supports cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable economic development.
Through stunning photography and heartfelt stories, Laura dives into :
- How regenerative fashion (beyond “sustainable”) can restore communities and ecosystems
- The brilliance of indigenous knowledge in solving modern climate challenges
- Why empowering women leads to better environmental outcomes
- How storytelling through photography can change consumer behavior
Laura invites the audience to reimagine adventure—not just as escape, but as an act of stewardship. Because fashion isn’t just about what you wear… it’s about what you preserve.
Laura Grier is an award-winning adventure photojournalist and founder of Andeana Hats, a sustainable fashion brand empowering Quechua women in Peru. She has photographed in over 100 countries across all seven continents, combining visual storytelling, female empowerment, and cultural preservation into unforgettable journeys. A self-proclaimed “Indiana Jones with a camera,” Laura uses fashion and photography as tools to amplify untold stories and create impact-driven travel experiences.