We recently connected with Lena May and have shared our conversation below.
Lena , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Creativity is the foundation of innovation, so it has always been a priority for me to engage in activities and experiences to inspire new ideas and ways of thinking. Whether its visiting a new culture, attending an art show or spending time in nature or learning a new technology – these are opportunities to learn and expand your mindset.
Spending time in Central America has been extremely eye opening in so many ways. Not only has the culture been inspiring, but the technologies used to conduct business on a daily basis have provided me with a point of comparison against the United States. These experiences have helped us generate ideas and pinpoint opportunities when launching Inspire Me Latin America, a fair trade startup company that provides artisan entrepreneurs in Guatemala to do business with America for the first time.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Inspire Me Latin America (IMLA) proudly announces its momentous collaboration with two esteemed retail partners in Buffalo, NY, marking its grand entry into the vibrant New York market. Co-founded by Buffalo native and visionary entrepreneur, Lena May,
Lena May, co-founder of IMLA, expressed her excitement about these new partnerships, saying, “Returning to Buffalo, my hometown, and establishing partnerships with Euphoria Salon and Spa and Rove Boutique and Gifts feels incredibly fulfilling. These collaborations not only bring our handcrafted products closer to home but also reflect our commitment to supporting local businesses and artisans. Buffalo has always been close to my heart, and now, it’s at the heart of IMLA’s expansion.”
IMLA is dedicated to empowering women and indigenous artisans from Latin American countries. With its ethos deeply rooted in craftsmanship, tradition, and empowerment, IMLA has found its perfect partners in Buffalo’s own Euphoria Salon and Spa and Rove Boutique and Gifts.
As IMLA continues to champion the cause of artisan entrepreneurs internationally, these partnerships represent a significant milestone in their journey. By connecting consumers with unique, handmade products from Latin America, IMLA is not just creating economic access but also fostering a global community of conscientious shoppers who value craftsmanship, culture, and sustainability.
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?
In order to move an idea forward, entrepreneurs should maintain a “can do” attitude. Obstacles and roadblocks are opportunities to think outside of the box and find possible solutions to problem solving.
It is important to remember that “done is better than perfect” in the early stages of a startup company. There will be opportunities along the way to tweak product & service delivery, so do not get stuck on perfection. Focus on the end result and keep working on it until you hit your initial goals.
Dream big and shoot high! When you put effort into something the sky is the limit. Having big goals might seem unattainable at first, but if you can dream it you can achieve it. Set the bar high enough that if you only accomplish 75% of what you intended to it will still be a huge accomplishment!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
We recently piloted a collaboration at Aveda’s Euphoria Salon & Spa in the prestigious Walden Galleria Mall in Buffalo, NY, Owners Tony & Marlene Gigliotti were willing to take a chance and support placement of Guatemalan artisan goods within the salon during the holiday season, It has been a wonderful collaboration, as the entire staff has rallied around supporting women and indigenous families who want to do business with the United States. The leadership and energy from the team has been inspiring and we look forward to continue working with the group.
Euphoria Salon and Spa is not just a beauty destination; it’s a sanctuary that aligns perfectly with IMLA’s mission. Committed to enhancing natural beauty while promoting sustainable, healthy living, Euphoria offers a range of services and products that resonate with the essence of IMLA. At Euphoria, guests are not only pampered but are also introduced to choices that support a more eco-conscious lifestyle. The salon’s dedication to exceeding expectations harmonizes seamlessly with IMLA’s commitment to quality and excellence.
As Inspire Me Latin America continues to expand in 2024, we plan to find great partners like Euphoria Salon & Spa in the Northeast.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inspiremelatinamerica.com
- Instagram: @inspiremelatinamerica
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiremelatinamerica/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcHMX4xnFKs
- Other: Our affiliate partner Euphoria Salon & Spa is located here – https://euphoriasalonspa.com/
