Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayra Pantazopoulos.
Hi Mayra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Wow! This is sort of an unexpected path that led me to where I am now. Everything started right around when the pandemic initiated. We normally travel with my son’s godparents and their children and we decided we weren’t going to be able to do so that year. However, my son’s Godmother, Lety, told me I will send you some facemasks, and at that point she realized how a lot of the artisans in Mexico were struggling financially due to the lack of visitors, so she told me, what do you think if we help a bit by getting some more facemasks and some inventory they have just sitting, I said sure. Well, I didn’t expect the adventure that started so unplanned would take me to where we are now, the people in my surrounding area, their friends, relatives, etc., started liking all the items. Think of the lack of technology and the lack of sales experience on my end, but I always thought, keep going, keep moving, everything will resolve.
An incredible adventure that has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people in my community while also helping preserve art traditions for families in different areas of my birth country Mexico. In the beginning, it was so stressful and my house became chaotic! Can you imagine almost like a street market right in my living room, dining room, etc.! But again, I guess I am lucky, blessed or just very fortunate to have very patient people at home that have been able to go through this journey with me. Anyway, I still have some of that initial merchandise, other ones I have donated, but now it gives me great joy collaborating with all the groups of artisans and presenting to my community the beautiful artistic items that are created, and yes! now I have the opportunity to design and create with them some of the products. There is so much that I could share, I smile as I write this. You know I always find some causes to help here in the community as well as my community in Mexico, that I do with some of the proceeds that come from Casa Turquesa. For instance, I put about 110 back to school supply packages for underprivileged children in Linares Mexico, donations for different causes like Foster Village, and various Lake Travis organizations. Just a few weeks ago, I dedicated funds to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association.
Through Casa Turquesa I have been able to be part of important events for people I have met, and also it has given me the opportunity to be there for those other circumstances that are not necessarily the happy ones. See? It has been a blessing that I really didn’t plan. I still have my traditional job and hope one day to be able to fully dedicate myself to this business, but in the meantime, I don’t mind being super busy, I love what I do!
Alright, 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?
Wow, it has been with tons of struggles. Can you imagine sending pictures of products because I didn’t have technology in the very beginning to help me take care of requests? Responding one message at a time, no business page and no website.
My house was a disaster, full of inventory, it still is 🙂
In the beginning, I didn’t really know what people would like and also I was not able to say no to many of the artisans that were desperately trying to allocate their products.
I had to start going to farmer’s markets on Sunday to sell the items because otherwise, they would stay at home forever.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
All embroidered, loomed and weaved artisanal items from Mexico… Traditional and Traditional with a Modern Twist Hand Embroidered Otomi pillow covers, table runners and clothing.
Totes!
Our totes and wallets, crossbody bags, etc., made from recycled materials are some of my customer’s favorite items. These are excellent weaved items for the beach, pool, travel, picnic, etc.!
We are about making beautiful artistic accessories and items for the home that are not done in massive production, so we do a lot of custom pieces and designs that are personalized. I design them thinking about the community or help with milestone specialty items: bridal shower? Well, I have made special totes for events like that, special items for special birthdays, etc!
I am very proud of all the artisans I collaborate with and also that my little business is able to create a positive impact here in the community where I live and also in the country where I am from.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Not sure what the future will bring but I hope to continue to create more beautiful, one-of-a-kind, handmade items in collaboration with my amazing artisans.
Contact Info:
- Email: Casaturquesabhd@gmail.com
- Website: Casaturquesaboutique.com
- Instagram: Casaturquesaboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Casa-Turquesa-Mexican-Boutique-and-Home-Decor-103738974755359/
