Meet Pearl Mecenas | Founder/ Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pearl Mecenas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pearl, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I first visited India in 2017 and was inspired by the country’s inclusive approach to helping visually impaired individuals. I returned to the United States and began volunteering at local foundations for the blind, which is how I met the talented artists I partner with today. I learned there was an opportunity to help market their wares; doing so meant these individuals would start earning income to supplement their Social Security.

My background in consulting, project management, and business development paired well with solving this business problem. I oversee the strategy, marketing, day-to-day operations, and community outreach so the artisans can focus on their craft. I worked in health care for several years before launching this venture.

Gifted Blind Artists, Crafters, & Knitters (or GiftedBack) is the first e-commerce platform that features products exclusively made by blind or visually impaired individuals. I hope to expand the program nationally and beyond.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My background is in consulting, business development, and project management. I have an MBA and spent several years in corporate America. I juggled being a full-time student and launched my career during college. Before I knew it, 15 years had flown by, and I faced a turning point. Do I spend any more time cultivating my career, or do I transition away to do something more philanthropic?

My husband’s family lives in India (part-time). We visited in 2017 and were introduced to the blind/ visually impaired community there. We toured institutes where students were educated/ trained and then placed for employment. My husband also trained and ran with blind athletes. Inspired by the country’s inclusive approach, I returned to the United States wanting to do and learn more about this group. During this time, I transitioned away from my corporate career.

After some research, I met with three foundations in San Diego that support the blind/ visually impaired. I served on a Board of Directors and spent time getting to know the group. I was impressed by the community’s handiwork but was surprised they did not sell their wares. I realized how I could help solve this dilemma, and the idea of Gifted Blind, Artists, Crafters & Knitters (GiftedBack) was born.

As part of my corporate experience, I worked with small businesses and had general knowledge about how to get one started. I’m also fortunate to have the time to learn, apply, and recover issues quickly. Even with these advantages, launching a start-up was not simple. For example, I had to build the website myself since my technical partner passed away from COVID-19.

Despite it all, I am excited about introrducing the first platform that showcases the talents of blind/ visually impaired individuals. Gifts with a good cause. Finally.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would plan the visit around a blind/ visually impaired friend. It would be baseball season in Spring.

Day 1: We’d settle into our downtown lodging. There’s nothing like experiencing L.A. than staying in the city.

Day 2: The following day, we’d visit and tour local blind/ visually impaired foundations like the Braille Institute and the Blind Children’s Center. We’d dine at an Ethiopian restaurant.

Day 3: On the third day, we’d catch a game at Dodger Stadium.

Day 4: We’d venture out of the city, drive to the coast, and spend the day in Santa Monica.

Day 5: As the trip winds down, we’d take it easy and visit different neighborhoods. For example, we’d brunch in Pasadena, get a snack in Los Felix, and have dinner in Melrose.

Day 6: We’ll spend the day in Manhattan Beach before the visit ends.

Day 7: On the last day, we’ll visit a trendy coffee shop in L.A., get breakfast, and relax before my friend returns home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to recognize blind/ visually impaired individuals worldwide for their resilience, strength, and tenacity. You are my everyday heroes! Thank you for inspiring me and grounding me in a newfound purpose; I dedicate this (and future) work to you.

I’d also like to thank my husband, Dr. Eshwar Kapur, for his endless support and encouragement in helping me do whatever it takes to make a difference.

Website: www.GiftedBack.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/giftedback/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/pearlmecenas/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/giftedbackcause

Image Credits
Joel de la Cruz Photography