Minga Bikes
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, CHILE
Minga Bikes was a cycling shop based in Santiago, which I co-founded in 2012.
Our aim was to develop high quality, hand-made bicycles and cycling gear for urban cyclists.
The challenge
In 2012 in Chile, as well as in the rest of the world, urban cycling was slowly picking up, as more people was becoming aware of the health, convenience and environmental benefits of cycling, but finding a locally-made affordable alternative was still very difficult.
Minga Bikes was a local answer to this rising trend.
How might we empower local communities through urban cycling?
The outcome
Minga bikes was a collaborative concept store. It promoted the Chilean heritage through its designs and at the same time it created a source of employment and an exhibition platform to smaller entrepreneurs.
We used locally sourced materials and collaborated with artisans and small businesses in the production of all Minga Bikes products.
Minga's flagship store in Santiago and products were featured in different local design magazines.
