By Chris Malina

January 21, 2025

Katie Lorenz (BBA ’12) was never a sweater person—that is, until she experienced the magic of alpaca fleece. Now, she’s on a mission to dress her customers in the comfiest garments they can imagine, while creating positive change in the process.

Lorenz is the founder of Campo Alpaca, a fair-trade apparel company featuring alpaca-inspired products crafted by Peruvian artisans. With a background in retail strategy and consulting, Lorenz launched the business in 2017 as a side hustle before shifting to full-time entrepreneur status in 2025. The company works with artisan groups and small family businesses across Peru to craft Wisconsin-inspired sweaters and more, while ensuring that creators receive fair wages and have access to safe work environments.

As Lorenz continues to scale Campo, she reflects on the lessons she’s learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey and offers advice to anyone thinking about starting their own business.

Take that first step

Campo Alpaca officially launched in 2017, but the idea for the company’s signature Wisconsin sweater came years earlier in 2014 when Lorenz drew its preliminary design in her travel journal after a trip to Peru....

Read the full article on the WSB Website Here!

On Wisconsin!