We recently connected with Melissa Lara and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I traveled to India to do a volunteering project with children and realized that my own hometown had similar challenges in a smaller scale and started to question myself how would I be able to support my own people through my passion which is fashion and accessory design.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am owner of Munai an accessories and lifestyle brand based in Miami, Florida. Munai stands out for its unwavering commitment to empowering Bolivian artisan communities and families by providing them with consistent, fair-paying job opportunities. Munai’s collections are mainly handmade using traditional Bolivian weaving techniques and materials that cannot be found in the US market.
We’re stoked to be entering our fourth year, and we can’t thank our local community enough for embracing our accessories and making my dreams come true. Right now, we’re rockin’ the online scene, but we’re also entering the wholesale world. You can now find our pieces in the Caribbean islands: Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and entering with great excitement to the European market: Ibiza, South of France and Santorini, Greece.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Write down your goals: It is so easy to forget or fall out of track when you do not write down your goals! I make sure I have my goals written on my phone screen, my desktop, my room. We always need a visual reminder of that dream we have.
Do not give up easily: Business has its seasons, many ups and downs throughout the years. Many times the thought of giving up crossed my mind but I always remember my main mission: We are committed to support Bolivian artisans and make a positive impact in their lives. It’s not about me anymore it’s about a community of artisan partners and also a community of clients that love our product!
Get out of your comfort zone and try new things: It might be the hardest for some. But trying new things, meeting new people, and specially getting our of your confort zone will make your eyes and soul open and flourish, that is how I realized my life’s mission!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to collaborate with similar brands in the resort wear field who have a similar mission (ethical practices on their business) and aesthtics. Developing new products together, share our stories with our online communities and grow! I think collaboration is the key for an organic growth online and on retail! The best way to contact me is [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopmunai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munai.bo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
