Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Paulina Cota-Hungar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Maria Paulina , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
When I was 5-6 years old my grandfather taught me how to make different kind of knots, he was a fisherman and his knowledge about knots was very impressive. I remember how peaceful I was while making knots, he later explained to me that knots are simple and beautiful just like life itself, I grew up, he passed away when I was a teenager and I stopped making knots. As I got older life got a bit harder as an adult and I wanted to feel that peace again, it was a bittersweet moment because he was no longer with us but I wanted to continue to feel him present in my life, knots are simple but I connected my feelings and emotions and I was able to express myself easier with knots, I started to develop my own patterns and designs. 9 years ago I created Kuxtal, Kuxtal means life in Mayan and that’s my mission, to bring peace to others through my work, to connect with other people and their feelings to teach them about knots and how they can help us, concentrate and meditate to reach peace, to connect with ourselves by gifting ourselves the time to create.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a self taught macramé artist, macramé is a textile art technique , macramé means the art of making and creating with just knots, we don’t use any other tool just our hands and our knowledge of knots. In Kuxtal Vida Macramé I create from plant hangers to large scale tapestries. I started teaching macramé classes and workshops 2years ago and I love it, I love to see my students fall in love with the technique and their excitement when they share with me their creations. Kuxtal Vida Macramé also is part of pinners conference which is an event host by Pinterest , once a year I exhibit my work and I also teach at this event.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media is big now these days, when I opened my social media account for my business every follow, every like, every share made me dance, but after 900+ followers my account was hacked, another lesson for me to learn. I created another account to continue with my business and projects, but I had to start all over again, the only difference this time is that I learned that my followers don’t define the quality of my work, that I don’t need hundreds of likes every time I post, I remember why I started, I create for me and then I share, always work and create for you. People will connect with your work and you’ll find your own community that will support you.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
Connecting with my customers on an emotional level, being honest and responsible. Providing a quality product to my customers is an important step to earning their long – term business.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Kuxtal Vida Macramé