Leaving Venezuela to a Fresh Start in Miami: Maria Gabriela Duque Albornoz’s Handbag Designer Journey
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What happens when a Venezuelan electronic engineering graduate becomes a handbag design sensation in Miami? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Maria Gabriela Duque Albornoz, the creative mastermind behind Marigaby Designs. Maria shares her journey from crafting unique handbags for personal use in Venezuela to founding a thriving business in Miami. Her story is filled with pivotal moments, from her mother's encouragement to the challenges of Venezuela's job market, all of which fueled her transition from engineering to fashion. Maria’s ability to merge technical precision with creative flair has set her designs apart, and she dives into how her engineering background significantly influenced her handbag construction techniques.
Discover the evolution of Marigaby Designs as Maria recounts her experiences working with innovative materials like cactus leather and the impact of her Etsy competition win on scaling her business. From using industrial sewing machines to moving into a larger workspace, Maria provides practical insights into managing a growing business while maintaining personalized customer connections. She also shares her gratitude for the support from the design community and offers invaluable advice to fellow designers. Tune in to hear how Maria successfully balances her burgeoning business with personal mom life commitments and be inspired by her journey to becoming a celebrated handbag designer.
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Kapitel
1. Handbag Designer's Journey (00:00:00)
2. Scaling a Handbag Business (00:16:16)
3. Growing With Marigabi Designs (00:24:00)
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