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INTO's History
INTO was founded in the Spring of 2003 by two graduating  seniors from Oberlin College: Francesca (Peterson) Barbee and Malisha Richardson (right)
A year earlier Francesca had spent five months in Quito, Ecuador where she lived, traveled, and studied. Taking part regularly in the activities of a local church called El Batán, she made friends with young leaders in the church, one of who suggested a plan for micro-economic development among indigenous artisans in Ecuador.
In the fall of 2002, while pursuing her studies and pursuing future employment, Francesca received a calling.
 Through prayer, God showed her a way to implement the project her Ecuadorian friends had mentioned months before. Francesca saw a much needed partnership in her good friend Malisha Richardson.
In April 2003 INTO was incorporated by the state of Ohio and in December of that year received federal recognition by the IRS as a 501c2 non-profit organization. During travel to Ecuador in summer 2003, several partnerships were established while working more closely with Henry Írazabal, the originator of INTO's vision.
Starting in September of 2003 INTO initiated educational  programming structured from the first summer trip. In January 2005, INTO commenced sales to local retail locations in the Cleveland area. In January 2006, Marco Vaca took over as head of operations for INTO in Ecuador from Henry Írazabal.
As of January 2007, INTO began wholesaling to five local businesses in the Cleveland area and as of March 2008, started wholesaling outside of Ohio. Every month INTO is increasing our retail customer base. We are excited to keep growing, allowing increased support into the communities we partner with in Ecuador!
In May 2009 INTO was legally established in Ecuador has Ananai Rustik (Ananai is Kichwa for something beautiful and Rustik is Spanish for rustic) with INTO’s director of operations, Marco Vaca and his wife as co-owners. Additionally we are looking forward to adding one of INTO’s partner artisans as part owner.
Starting in September 2009 the product line will be presented as Ananai! Classic to honor the people from where the products come. INTO is also active in many events, fairs and festivals throughout the year all over the Midwest and East Coast. Currently, INTO helps support four families in the mountains of Ecuador in two different communities and nine women and their families in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
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