Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena My

Hi Lena , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Lena May is co-founder of Inspire Me Latin America, a fair-trade company dedicated to creating economic access and changing the lives of women in Latin American countries. After a trip to Guatemala in 2019 to visit a friend, she saw an opportunity in the retail sector to share her passion for business empowerment. Lena felt that it was important to use her entrepreneurial talents to empower women in business. After a couple of brainstorming sessions and research with co-founder Michelle Elkin, Inspire Me Latin America was born.

Lena spent the majority of her life living in Buffalo, NY. She was interested in design & fashion and would frequently travel to NYC during summer break to the bead district in search of new and unusual materials. In 2010, she founded a jewelry company as a hobby in college, curating pop up boutiques across the United States.

Growing up, her family encouraged her to pursue a career in business. This influence led her to a career in technology, putting her love for design & fashion on the back burner. After spending 20 years in corporate America managing large scale technology projects, speaking at conferences and business events she saw an opportunity to intersect both industries in Central America.

Inspire Me Latin America’s business model started with pop up markets and an online store. We have evolved into partnering with Euphoria Salon & Spa in Buffalo, NY at the Galleria Mall. We also working on special projects in Southwest Colorado and Central Texas throughout the rest of 2024.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Pushing the idea of Inspire Me Latin America forward while working full-time has been challenging.

Coaching women and indigenous families in Guatemala who are interested in transforming their small businesses to become international suppliers of handmade goods takes time and resources. It has been a learning process that is very rewarding.

I’ve remained passionate and hopeful that our operations will continue to grow. We are very thankful for our affiliate partners and customers who believe in our business model.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Inspire Me Latin America is dedicated to creating economic access and changing the lives of women in Latin American countries.

Founded on a shared love of fashion, culture and entrepreneurship, we share artisan stories and minimize barriers for creative business owners. We believe in connecting makers with a global audience, offering them increased economic independence and allowing more time for the creative process.

What matters most to you? Why?

In Guatemala, entrepreneur partners face IP blocking, restrictions on electronic payments, unstable internet connections, limited shipping options and language barriers. Despite some of these barriers, we have been able to connect with 15 artisan entrepreneurs who employ 160 team members in Central America.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inspiremelatinamerica.com
• Instagram: @inspiremelatinamerica
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiremelatinamerica?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCfXhlyxKpr7hEsZuKB0htTg