Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Arenas.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Queens, NY. I am a first-generation Colombian American. My husband and I relocated to Houston in 2011 and are happy to be raising our children here. I graduated with a B.S. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an MSW with a specialization in geriatrics from the University of U.H. – Go Coogs! I am a social worker, mom of two boys that is now taking on a new venture as a small business owner. After working for eight years at TCHP and having my second child, I knew I wanted to incorporate my social work passion with that of being a women entrepreneurship. After much thought, I took the plunge and decided to create Meraki Wayuu. Meraki is a Greek term that stands for the love, passion, and essence of yourself you put into any work that you do and Wayuu is the name of the tribe in Colombia S.A. I want to share with you a little of what my parent’s beautiful country has to offer.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey of becoming a small business owner has been a bit challenging but not impossible. With the help of family and friends, I continue to learn and grow. Being a mother to two boys is challenging enough but it is what keeps me going. I want to teach them that there is nothing wrong in switching gears with your professional life. It is important to take risks and do what makes you happy.
Please tell us about Meraki Wayuu.
Meraki Wayuu comes to you from the Wayuu Tribe of La Guajira, Colombia. Our goal is to empower artisans to share their stories and traditions. Every Wayuu item has a story behind it, Meraki Wayuu aims to maintain intact, keep, preserve the uniqueness and beauty of every handmade item.
Our mission is to empower global artisans in disadvantaged areas, raise multicultural awareness, and promote social justice and cultural preservation through economic fair trade. We want to give our community the opportunity to shop with a purpose.
Our products are one of a kind. By purchasing one of our items we are proud to provide you with an open door to experience a new culture. We offer large, medium and small bucket bags, yoga strap mat carriers, interchangeable bag straps as well as camera and guitar straps.
Let the colors tell your story!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory was traveling with my family back to Colombia and spending time with my family. My mother comes from a big family and for the most part everyone still lives in Colombia. Our vacations back home meant learning the culture, eating great yummy food and making memories which have been a great gift for me. I hope to continue that tradition with my own children.
Pricing:
- Items range from $20 to $180
Contact Info:
- Website: www.merakiwayuu.com
- Email: merakiwayuu@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/merakiwayuu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerakiWayuu/
Image Credit:
Photography by velamoraphotography
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