We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Polemeni. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Hecho por Ellas / Made by Her was born from both a passion and a purpose: to create a space where women, especially Latina and minority entrepreneurs, could showcase their talents, businesses, and dreams. Too often, women in our communities face barriers—whether it’s lack of visibility, resources, or support systems—that prevent them from reaching their fullest potential. I wanted to change that.

This mission is deeply meaningful to me because it’s personal. As a woman, and as someone who has worked closely with my community, I’ve seen the struggles women face in trying to balance family, work, culture, and ambition. I’ve also seen their resilience, creativity, and strength. Hecho por Ellas / Made by Her is about giving those women a platform to shine, to connect, and to feel empowered not just as entrepreneurs, but as leaders in their families and communities.

It’s more than an event or a marketplace—it’s a movement. Every vendor, every speaker, every guest is part of a bigger picture: breaking cycles, building generational wealth, and creating opportunities for the next wave of women who will dare to dream even bigger. The mission matters to me because it’s about legacy, community, and lifting each other up.

When I see women supporting women, celebrating culture, and standing proudly in their identity, I know that Hecho por Ellas / Made by Her is fulfilling its purpose. It’s not just about what we create or sell—it’s about what we inspire. And that inspiration is what will continue to ripple through our communities for years to come.

Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Michelle Polemeni, founder of Hecho por Ellas / Made by Her, a mission-driven marketplace and cultural event that celebrates and empowers women entrepreneurs. With a background in government and community service, I’ve always been passionate about connecting people with resources and opportunities. Over the years, I noticed that many women—especially Latina and minority entrepreneurs—had the vision, creativity, and talent to succeed but often lacked visibility and support. That’s where this project was born.

Hecho por Ellas / Made by Her is more than an event—it’s a movement. We provide a platform for women to showcase their businesses, from handmade crafts and fashion to food, services, and creative works. Beyond products, we create an environment of connection through speakers, music, and cultural celebration.

What sets us apart is our focus on impact and legacy. We’re not just about selling, but about building confidence, fostering community, and inspiring women to dream bigger. I’m most proud of seeing women step into their power and realize their worth. This work is about visibility, empowerment, and creating generational change—because when women rise, communities rise.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Eleven years ago, I made the life-changing decision to leave Puerto Rico and move to Texas. Like many who take such a leap, I carried both hope and uncertainty. I didn’t know exactly what awaited me, but I knew I had to build a new life for myself and my family.

The beginning wasn’t easy. I had to navigate a new culture, rebuild my support system, and start over professionally. There were moments of doubt, when the challenges of adapting and the weight of being away from home felt overwhelming. But each obstacle pushed me to grow stronger. I leaned on my faith, my determination, and the belief that this transition was not only about me—it was about creating opportunities for those who would come after me.

That move taught me resilience in its purest form: to face uncertainty with courage, to adapt without losing my roots, and to find purpose even in struggle. It’s the same resilience that fuels Hecho por Ellas / Made by Her today. I know what it feels like to start from scratch, and that’s why I’m so passionate about giving women the support, visibility, and community they need to succeed.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on three main pillars: authenticity, consistency, and community impact.

From the very beginning, I made a promise to myself and to others that Hecho por Ellas / Made by Her would never just be “an event.” It had to be authentic—rooted in a real desire to uplift women, not just to create a business opportunity. People can feel when something is genuine, and I think that has been one of the biggest factors in building trust within my market.

Consistency has also played a key role. Whether in my professional work in government or in this project, I’ve always strived to follow through, keep my word, and deliver on promises. Over time, that consistency has shown people that I’m dependable and serious about my mission.

Lastly, what has truly strengthened my reputation is impact. It’s not about how many vendors participate or how many people attend—it’s about the testimonies that come after. Hearing women say, “This event gave me confidence,” or “I made connections here that changed my business,” is what has given Hecho por Ellas / Made by Her credibility. When your work is making a difference, word spreads, and your reputation grows with it.

In the end, I think what sets me apart is that my focus isn’t just on creating events, but on building a movement where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Hechobyher