Our Story
At Sumak Runa, we are driven by a shared desire to break free from the confines of the traditional 9-5 hustle culture. We believe in prioritizing education and stewardship, fostering a community where sustainable practices and lifelong learning take center stage. Our mission is to inspire others to join us in creating a more and environmentally conscious lifestyle, moving away from the grind and toward a more meaningful existence, we can cultivate a community that values purpose and connection over profit.
Hello, I'm Taylor
Hi, I’m Taylor — co-creator of Sumak Runa and the one making sure the day-to-day flows as smoothly and sustainably as possible. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and spent years working in food service before buying and remodeling my first home at 24. A year later, I sold it and began shifting my focus toward something deeper — something that felt more aligned with my values and the kind of life I wanted to live.
In 2020, I moved to Ecuador, where I’ve been ever since. I finished my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science remotely while working for a Benefit Corporation focused on reducing food waste in the restaurant industry, and for a small business helping mom-and-pop gas stations clean up old underground petroleum leaks. My work has always centered around two core drives: helping people and protecting the planet.
I’ve picked up a lot of skills over the years — solar systems, electrical work, plumbing, aquaponics, gardening, and a general love for figuring out how things work. At Sumak Runa, I will handle the logistics, keep our systems running, and teach hands-on classes for anyone wanting to live a little closer to the earth.
This project is about building something better — not just for ourselves, but for everyone who believes in community, sustainability, and learning from each other.
Hello, I'm Alyssa
I’m a writer, DIY-enthuisiest, traveler, and deeply stubborn believer in community over capitalism. I’ve never subscribed to the myth of the “rugged individual” — that we should all pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and never ask for help. I reject that. I always have. I believe it takes a village — and I believe we've lost touch with that truth.
Sumak Runa is a vision first sparked by my business partner and best friend, Taylor — and it resonated deeply with me from the beginning. With a background in communication and a lifelong commitment to sustainability and intentional living, I’ve always been drawn to projects that center people, the planet, and purpose. I love transforming spaces and am passionate about minimizing our impact on the Earth, starting at home and carrying it into every part of life.
In 2017, Taylor and I spent 12 unforgettable days traveling across Ecuador — from the southern beaches to the Amazon forest and the Andes in the northeast. We immersed ourselves in the culture, connected with people from all walks of life, and witnessed the beauty and diversity of the land. Since then we've had many more unforgettable memories around Ecuador. These journeys have planted the seeds for what we’re now building — together.
At Sumak Runa, I will focus on cultivating lasting partnerships with people whose work brings value to others — craftspeople, teachers, healers, and thinkers. The goal is to host them there, create shared experiences, and offer a space where people can learn, connect, and find peace — not in isolation, but in community.
