Robert Kedra (Robby) never planned to enter the world of fashion. In fact, his early career was spent in the fast-paced, numbers-driven halls of corporate finance. Spreadsheets, quarterly reports, and market forecasts were his daily routine. But deep down, he felt a pull toward something more creative—something that didn’t just analyze the world, but shaped it.
That pull eventually became impossible to ignore. While on a trip through South America, Robby stumbled across a handcrafted alpaca sweater in a local market. At first, it was just a keepsake—a soft, luxurious piece that stood out from anything he owned. But as he wore it, something clicked. The fiber was unlike anything he’d experienced: lightweight but warm, soft but durable, stylish yet timeless. It sparked a question that wouldn’t go away: Why don’t more people know about this?
That moment marked the beginning of Robby’s pivot from finance to fashion. He started digging deeper into alpaca fiber, learning about its performance benefits, sustainability, and the generations of artisans behind it. He realized this wasn’t just a product—it was a story waiting to be told. And he wanted to be the one to tell it.
With no formal background in design but a strong eye for quality and detail, Robby launched Allen Paca, a brand built on the belief that fashion could be both functional and meaningful. He didn’t just want to sell clothing—he wanted to challenge fast fashion, support heritage craftsmanship, and create something that lasted.
Balancing a full-time career in finance while launching a brand wasn’t easy. There were long nights, weekend work, and a steep learning curve. But Robby’s drive to build something with purpose kept him going. He brought the same discipline and strategic thinking from his finance background into Allen Paca—shaping a brand grounded in sustainability, transparency, and timeless design.
Today, Allen Paca is more than just a knitwear brand—it’s a testament to what can happen when you follow your passion and bring purpose to your work. Robby’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to pivot, pursue creativity, and build something that reflects who you truly are.