We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabel Garcia de Quevedo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was born and raised in Mexico and moved to Atlanta in 2009 to study public health. PELiAtlanta was born because I wanted to stay connected to my roots and share a bit of my culture in Atlanta.

PELi is a global collective of Mexican women entrepreneurs that want to transmit in each of our handwoven bags the colorful, creative and beautiful culture that Mexico has. At the same time, we aim to empower artisans to be creative and work independently, while providing job opportunities and fair pay.

In one of my travels to visit family in Mexico, I met with my childhood friend Fernanda, and I fell in love with the project she had going on. After finishing college, she started helping a group of three women in the state of Guerrero, Mexico to sell their handwoven purses. After a few years, it had become an artisan collective of over 80 artisans handweaving the bags. I completely fell in love with the purses and the goal of the project, so I decided to bring a few to test it out, and it was so successful I started PELiAtlanta.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
PELiAtlanta is a one of a kind piece for your wardrobe. These beautiful handwoven bags are individually handcrafted in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Our designs aim to transmit the rich and colorful culture of Mexico. PELiAtlanta bags are made from 100% recycled plastic. Our bags are water resistant and, due to their plastic nature, you can wash them with warm water and soap!

PELiAtlanta was born in 2017 to achieve three main objectives: connect with my roots back in Mexico, empower Mexican artisans to sell their products with the highest quality, and create job opportunities.

It hasn’t been easy as I have a full time job in public health and a second full time job as a mom of two toddlers, but it is very gratifying to see customers love our purses. Most of my business has been word of mouth, so that talks about the quality of the purses.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Beltline is now one of the hottest spots in Atlanta and I believe it has enhanced the walkability of the city so that would be my first spot. Being mexican, I love eating tacos, so El tesoro in kirkwood is a great spot. Or I also recommend exploring the many restaurants on buford highway.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom has always been a great force in all my life events. I think a big part of my successes in life had been thanks to her example of hard work and determination.

Website: https://peliatlanta.square.site/

Instagram: @peliatlanta

Facebook: @peliatlanta

Image Credits
Cover picture from @krizianid

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