Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Arango.
Hi Maria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in a small city in the Colombian mountains, surrounded by nature. Since I was a child, I’ve always felt curious about the world and drawn to creativity ,I loved animals, colors, and the idea of transforming simple materials into something meaningful.
I moved to Bogotá to study International Relations and later specialized in Supply Chain Management in Barcelona. That combination of curiosity and structure led me into the corporate world, where I spent several years working in retail and supply chain management. I learned how global commerce works, how products move, how brands grow, and how strategy connects everything behind the scenes.
In 2016, I moved to Panama to continue my career in multinational retail. Living there was an important chapter in my life. It brought new perspectives, a warmer lifestyle, and the realization that I wanted a more creative and meaningful connection with what I did every day.
In 2023, I took a trip to India and Central Asia that changed everything. Experiencing the world of handmade textiles, especially block printing, was eye-opening. I met artisans who work with an incredible level of skill and patience, creating pieces that carry both history and emotion. Seeing their dedication made me rethink my own path. I felt a strong need to build something that honored that kind of craftsmanship, something slower, more intentional, and human.
When I returned to Panama, it became clear that I wanted to take a different direction. In 2024, I left my corporate job and began developing what would become Praiatea. Later that year, I moved to the United States, and in early 2025, I decided to dedicate myself fully to this project.
Praiatea is the result of this journey, a brand that reflects everything I’ve learned and experienced: the discipline of my corporate years, the inspiration I found through travel, and my admiration for the handmade. It’s about connecting traditional craftsmanship with a modern lifestyle, supporting artisans, and celebrating the beauty that comes from things made with care and intention.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting this journey has been both exciting and incredibly challenging. It has been a constant process of adaptation, moving countries, learning from different cultures, and understanding how each market works. Even though I had experience in international retail, the U.S. market is completely different.
Leaving the stability of a corporate career to start something from zero was not easy. Building a business on my own, with limited resources and no big budgets, means learning something new every single day. There are moments when things flow and others when it feels like an uphill climb. Some days you don’t have the energy to be the entrepreneur and you just wish you could go back to your comfort zone.
But that is part of the process. Being an entrepreneur means constantly reinventing yourself, adapting to change, and facing everything from supply chain challenges to shifting regulations. It is truly a roller coaster where you are every department at once. Yet, despite the uncertainty and the hard days, there is a deep satisfaction that comes from building something that is yours, something that reflects your values and vision.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is about creating products that bring beauty and intention into everyday life. I draw inspiration from travel, nature, and cultural traditions, and I enjoy collaborating with artisans who preserve traditional textile techniques.
I specialize in product development, design direction, and organizing creative processes. I’m known for combining the practical aspects of retail, including planning, sales, logistics and strategy, with a creative perspective.
What I’m most proud of is transforming years of corporate experience into a business that feels personal and authentic. Every decision at Praiatea, from choosing materials to shaping the brand experience, is guided by curiosity, care, and attention to detail.
What sets me apart is the balance I strike between strategy and creativity, structure and intuition. My work reflects a lifelong fascination with textures, colors, and the joy of making things with care and intention.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I use several apps that help me stay organized and creative, including Canva, CapCut, Instagram, MileIQ, Shopify, and Pinterest. I love listening to podcasts such as Business Wars, Marketing School, Distinto, Chisme Corporativo, SEO by LMV, and I really enjoy Diana Uribe and Eva Tobalina for their historical storytelling.
When it comes to books, I’m drawn to illustrated editions, especially those by DK. Two books that have deeply influenced my journey are Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins and shoe Dog. I also love reading historical novels, travel books, and anything related to animals.
I often explore trend and industry insights through WGSN and The Business of Fashion Podcast. I also enjoy watching interviews that others recommend, even though I don’t follow a specific channel
Pricing:
- Prices range from $20 to $189, depending on the product and materials used.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://praiatea.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/praiatea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Praiatea/61562512205103/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-fernanda-arango-097b9459/
- Pinterest: https://co.pinterest.com/paraiatea/
