The women behind the brands

Maru Aldea

Born and raised in San Juan, PR during the 80s and 90s, Maru grew up being influenced by an interesting mash up of both American and Puerto Rican music, aesthetics, and culture. Her interest in apparel and design took her to Brooklyn, NYC to pursue a degree in Fashion Design from Pratt Institute. After completing her studies, she worked for various apparel companies as a designer and manager. After almost 20 years of living in the US, in 2018 she moved back to Puerto Rico. The cumulative experiences of her career served as a catalyst for starting her own small business with mindful values. As the owner and founder of Aida, she is pursuing her passion for curated vintage goods and clothing and encourages consumers to give pieces a new life.

Matilsha Marxuach

A designer, artist, entrepreneur, and activist, Matilsha is the founder and Chief Designer of Concalma. In 2006 she founded the Concalma brand as well as Concalma The Store, a marketplace to promote local design and manufacturing in Puerto Rico, using the values of fair trade and the founding principles of sustainability. Marxuach is especially enamored with the quality of resiliency and the ability to adapt and endure. Her inspiration comes from local culture as well as from traditional lifestyles and knowledge.

Karla López Rivera

An industrial designer with 10+ years of experience in the footwear field, she moved back to Puerto Rico in 2018 to launch Isleñas after 15 years of studying and working in the US and Europe. This decision was possible after being accepted into local business accelerator Parallel 18. Karla has a BFA in Furniture Design from Rhode Island School of Design and a Masters in Footwear Design from Polimoda Firenze.

Improving quality of life through design is one of Karla’s passions. She believes modernizing the sewing industry in Puerto Rico with slow fashion practices can be a tool that creates a positive impact in Puerto Rico.

Mari Muñecas

Born a twin in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mari graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and later moved to Madrid to pursue a Master’s Degree in Advertising and Art Management. While in Madrid, she worked in the local Art and Fashion Industry. This inspired her to create a self-made project that reflected her love for handcrafted goods, as well as the culture, colors, lifestyle and magic of the Caribbean. To make her dream of creating a locally made Resort Wear Brand a reality, she dove into classes with fashion designers such as Cuca Fernández and Carlota Alfaro. In 2018 she launched MARIMU, an ethically handcrafted resort wear collection made in Puerto Rico. Her mission is to support local talent and the island’s economy from within. In many ways, the beautiful magic of Puerto Rico runs through each MARIMU piece, making each garment truly unique.

Ana Cristina Quiñones

A Material, Product, and Furniture Designer from Puerto Rico with a Masters Degree in Furniture Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London, a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Design, and a background in Architecture courses, Ana specializes in sustainability and material innovation. 

In 2012, she started to develop an innovative plantain and coffee waste-based material until finally establishing it in 2015 under the name Materia Madura, Since then, having developed a wide range of materials and products that have been exhibited globally throughout galleries, museums, and acclaimed design fairs; resulting in her work to be published throughout a variety of international publications. In 2020, she expands Materia Madura into a brand and a business; offering sustainably designed products made with local, innovative waste-based materials to be accessible to all. 

Paola Muns & Bianca Muns

Paola and Bianca started MUNS as a jewelry line in 2015. They believe in growing the brand by educating the public to value design and quality. In 2020 they launched their first clothing collection made in Puerto Rico with sustainable fabrics. They strongly promote the “less is more” concept and believe that one timeless and high quality piece is better than having many low quality, mass produced pieces in your closet.  

Paola graduated from business school, took several courses on digital design, and has experience in production methods. Bianca graduated with an accounting degree and has experience in retail, merchandising, web development, product analysis, and she is currently pursuing a second major in interior design.

Sally Torres Vega

Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Sally trained in Art and Marketing at Universidad de Puerto Rico, subsequently she pursued a degree in Fashion Design from Escuela de Diseño LT, in Río Piedras, PR. She has worked as an educator and freelance designer for select Puerto Rican contemporary artists. Since 2008 Sally has been designing and producing her namesake label from her studio in Cidra, Puerto Rico.

Karen Albors

Born to deaf parents in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Karen soon learned how a pleasant sensory experience contributes to our overall well-being. Becoming a Sign Language interpreter seemed only natural to her, but while living in the countryside, she became interested in botanical formulation and decided to create her own self-care products. By combining her skills in communications, digital media and advertising with her keen sensorial perception and newly-acquired knowledge of Caribbean flora, in 2019 she launched her own self-care brand, Sauca Botanicals. Through her line of sustainably developed products, she wishes to empower others by promoting a holistic approach to beauty and a mindful lifestyle.

Regina Bultrón Bengoa

A dynamic leader from San Mateo de Cangrejos (Santurce), Puerto Rico, who after nearly a decade in the arts and culture field has transitioned to pioneering entrepreneurship in the clean beauty industry with Selenia Beauty. Inspired by her grandmother, Selenia, Regina's passion for nail polish craftsmanship led to the creation of her brand, starting in her Brooklyn apartment and expanding to a holistic approach in 2022. Despite personal challenges, including her mother's passing and the pandemic, Regina reimagined Selenia Beauty with a focus on conscioentious beauty and holistic wellness. As the founder and creative director, Regina is committed to redefining nail care with safer and eco-friendly options, reflecting her values of sustainability and intentional beauty.