Meet Maria Salazar | Founder & Creative Director

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

Hi Maria, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Great question! I am originally from Neiva, Colombia, a country rich in culture and diversity. Growing up, I was always surrounded by vibrant traditions and a strong sense of community. My family planted in me a deep appreciation for our heritage and the importance of giving back.

My journey took a significant turn when I moved to the United States at the age of 17. Adjusting to a new country and culture was challenging, but it also offered immense opportunities. I’ve spent the other half of my life in California, and I am currently based in San Diego. This experience of being an immigrant has greatly shaped my perspective and resilience.

Living in California exposed me to a blend of cultures and ideas, further enriching my appreciation for diversity. My bilingual abilities in Spanish and English have allowed me to bridge cultural gaps and connect with a broader audience, both locally and internationally. This has been invaluable in my journey with Arawayuu, helping me communicate the significance of our products and the artisans’ stories to a wider market.

My upbringing played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I was fortunate to witness the incredible craftsmanship of indigenous artisans, particularly the Wayuu people, from La Guajira, Colombia. Their dedication to their craft and the stories woven into each piece left a lasting impression on me. This exposure sparked my passion for handmade crafts and motivated me to find a way to support and promote their work.

The fusion of my Colombian roots and my experiences in the US has deeply influenced my values and entrepreneurial spirit. I am driven to create a business that not only celebrates Colombian culture but also makes a positive impact on the lives of the artisans and their communities. My background and upbringing, along with my immigrant experience, have instilled in me a commitment to preserving cultural heritage while fostering global connections.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At Arawayuu, we offer handmade crafts from Colombia and give back 10% of our profits to the Wayuu artisans. What truly sets us apart is our focus on authenticity and social impact, but we also pride ourselves on community engagement. We host wellness events and experiences like our “Rise & Flow” event series in collaboration with activewear brands like Fabletics and lululemon. These events not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also allow us to share the stories of our artisans and connect with our community.

Among our upcoming events, we’re excited to host our second annual Nourish & Flourish event, Business con Amigas, happening on Saturday, September 21st in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This networking event will bring together Hispanic and Latin-owned business owners and creative entrepreneurs to grow their networks and celebrate our culture.

This year, we’re going outdoors! We couldn’t be more excited to elevate this experience by partnering up with Cielo Rooftop Lounge at Downtown San Diego Gaslamp area — to create something truly special for other Latina business owners and creative entrepreneurs.

Tickets will be going live soon, but those who join “The Tribe” will get exclusive early access to purchase tickets before they’re available to the public

Building the business involved overcoming challenges such as logistical issues and raising awareness. We tackled these by fostering strong relationships and leveraging storytelling. Looking ahead, we’re excited to host more events, wellness experiences and retreats to unite our community and deepen our impact.

One of my proudest moments was finally visiting the Wayuu artisans in person after five years. It was incredibly rewarding to meet each artisan and personally deliver food baskets funded by our profit-sharing model. This direct connection reinforced the importance of our mission and the impact of our contributions.

We want the world to know that Arawayuu is not just a brand, but a movement celebrating cultural heritage, promoting wellness, and fostering meaningful connections. Our products tell stories of tradition and community, reflecting my Colombian roots and global connections. We are passionate about supporting the Wayuu artisans and sharing their incredible craftsmanship with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start the week in Pacific Beach with a sunrise oceanfront yoga class at Palisades Park. For breakfast, we’d go to La Clochette Du Coin, Palmys or Desserts by Clement, then stroll the boardwalk and visit the Pacific Beach Pier.

Lunch at Herb & Wood or Kettner Exchange in Little Italy would be followed by exploring Balboa Park, including its museums and the Zoo. Dinner at Juniper & Ivy would be followed by drinks at The Noble Experiment, a hidden speakeasy.

We’d spend another day at La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions and explore local shops. For a beach day, relaxing at Coronado Beach and enjoying a sunset at the Hotel del Coronado is a must. Finally, a hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers stunning views. This mix of relaxation, cuisine, and natural beauty makes for an unforgettable visit!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly grateful for the amazing support system that has been with me every step of the way. First and foremost, my family and my husband have been my rock, providing unwavering support, encouragement, and love. Their belief in me and my vision for Arawayuu has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and pursuing my dreams.

In addition, our incredible community is at the core of everything we do at Arawayuu. We call them the Tribe because our Wayuu artisans originally come from a tribe, and we see ourselves as one collective. At the end of the day, we are all supporting one another to grow and give back. The Tribe’s continuous support, enthusiasm, and shared values have helped us build a brand that truly resonates with people. Their feedback, encouragement, and word-of-mouth have been invaluable in spreading our message and growing our business.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to our talented artisans. Nothing in this business would be possible without their skill, dedication, and creativity. They are the heart and soul of Arawayuu, and their beautiful craftsmanship is what makes our products so unique and special. Every piece they create tells a story and carries the essence of their culture and traditions.

So, to my family, husband, the Tribe, and our Wayuu artisans – thank you. Your support and contributions have been the foundation of Arawayuu’s success, and I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you.

Website: https://www.arawayuu.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arawayuu/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28612063

Facebook: https://facebook.com/arawayuu

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arawayuu

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ArawayuuJustForYou/

Image Credits
Cover Photo by Julissa Arangure Garcia
lululemon event by Justin Nunez
Enrique Photography
Nourish & Flourish event by Alexis MTZ Photography
Shots by Grace J