Bridging Ecuador and Europe: How a collective creates new opportunities for ethical brands
While building her own Ecuadorian coffee brand in Europe, Berlin-based entrepreneur Evelyn Echeverría learned about the challenges fellow entrepreneurs faced in establishing their brands in an unfamiliar market. Inspired by these experiences, she founded the Mishki Yaku Collective to help other Ecuadorian brands access European markets.
Steckbrief
- Name:
Evelyn Echeverría
- Professional background:
Biologist and project manager in sustainable urban development
- Business idea:
Helping sustainable Ecuadorian brands access European markets through cultural and commercial ambassadorship
- Company name:
Mishki Yaku Collective
- Website:
- Business site::
Germany / Ecuador
Evelyn Echeverría believes that international business can go hand in hand with a deep respect for cultural identity, biodiversity and responsible development. This belief lies at the heart of Mishki Yaku Collective, which connects Ecuadorian brands with European markets while helping ensure that the stories, origins and beauty behind their products are not lost along the way.
Ecuador, Evelyn’s country of origin, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to exceptional products, knowledge and traditions. Yet much of this richness remains largely invisible in European markets. While building her own Ecuadorian coffee brand in Germany, Berlin-based entrepreneur Evelyn learned about the challenges of other Ecuadorian entrepreneurs establishing a brand in an unfamiliar market.
The name of my business is Mishki Yaku Collective. In our Ecuadorian Kichwa language, Mishki Yaku means "sweet water" or "delicious liquid," but it also means doing something "with all your heart". This is exactly what I aim to offer in other countries as a way to share the love I have for my homeland, Ecuador; a truly magnificent place.These valuable insights inspired her to transform Mishki Yaku into a collective that builds bridges between exclusive Ecuadorian brands and Europe. Drawing on her background as a biologist and her extensive experience in international trade fairs, commerce and sustainability, Evelyn combines business expertise with a strong commitment to Ecuador's cultural and natural heritage. She works particularly with brands that share this commitment, placing ethical production, fair working conditions and responsible business practices at the heart of their approach to international trade.
For Evelyn, this commitment is deeply personal. “When I was a child, hummingbirds came to the tree outside my window,” she recalls. “When those trees were cut down, I realised how fragile their world is and how much we need to protect it.” Her early experiences continue to shape her understanding of how business, culture and environmental responsibility can be connected.
Today, Mishki Yaku Collective supports Ecuadorian brands with market entry, brand representation, buyer outreach and fostering lasting relationships with partners in Europe. Evelyn has learned the value of personal connections. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: know your market and show up. Don’t rely solely on social media; attend events, talk to customers and share your story face to face. “That’s what truly connects people to your product,” she explains.
Further information on the offers available to the Ecuadorian diaspora can be found below.