Frank W. Michell founded Michell & Cía. in 1931. Back then they merely bought, classified, and sold Alpaca and wool. But Michell was an ambitious man, his mission was to introduce the alpaca fibers as a luxury material to the world.

85 years later the company is run by his equally ambitious son, Michael W Michell, who has been able to deliver the best kind of alpaca fibers and has seen the family company grow to one of the most important exporters of alpaca in the world.

What is your Name?

Michael W Michell

Where were you born?

Arequipa, Perú

Where do you live?

Lima, Peru

What do you do for a living?

I am an MD and am involved in different businesses where I invest and participate in the running of compañies

Why do you do that?

Because I have always been interested in doing businesses

What was the first product you felt truly proud of?

I started in Michell when I was 18 – it was basically a raw material company – I became proud when we produced our first Alpaca fibers and were successful in the market.

What is the most encouraging thing somebody has told you about your work?

My belief in people and making them a part of our company –We are a Family-style company focused on service, where the staff has been in the company for over 25 years, yet we are leaders in the market.

Your work is finished when: Never, always looking to innovate

The artist you admire the most: Henry Moore

How do you keep your things organized?

In personal files and the computer

Digital or paper?

I am old style, paper

What do you believe in?

I very much believe in intuition – sharing wealth and giving people opportunities

Colors or shapes?

Navy Blue and Symmetrical shapes

The place where you always want to go back: My papers

What is your favorite object created by man?

Airplanes

How did you learn your trade?

I am a true entrepreneur – hard work and foresight

What does being part of Michell Group mean to you?

Everything, as it is my success and seeing so many, participates in the process

A must-have item in your home:  A good King Bed

An amulet or good luck charm?

A Cross was given to me by the local priest when I was very Young (My parent’s home in Arequipa is next to the Church where Arequipa was founded)