Marileenny Figuera, 40, has developed her passion for entrepreneurship with Atalia World, a business where her steel and glass cups, with printed designs and positive messages, are the main attraction. With bright drawings and phrases such as ‘I trust myself’ and ‘Eres mágica,’ she looks to empower those who buy from her. Figuera had a physical store in la Isla de Margarita, Venezuela, but moved to the United States six years ago and now resides in Elmwood Park. Still, when she immigrated, she knew she wanted to continue her business on a website where product prices ranged from $18 to $45. We talked to Figuera about her business and its mission.
This interview has been translated from Spanish to English.
Q: Tell me about your business and how it got started.
A: I started Atalia World two years ago in Chicago. I make personalized products with purpose and intention about mental health, self-esteem, and motivation geared towards women and entrepreneurial mothers.
Some of Figuera’s products. (Photo by Mariana Bermudez.)
Q: What obstacles has your business faced?
A: Social media, because there is a lot of competition in the market, and since I am new, it has been difficult studying the market, knowing what clients like and what they don’t. I am still in the process of knowing what my star product is.
Q: What product do clients mostly like?
A: Normally, the stainless-steel cups for cold and hot drinks because they are personalized. The designs are made from scratch for the client, depending on what they like.
Glass jars and stainless-steel cups. (Photo by Mariana Bermudez.)
Q: The cups have phrases in Spanish, like ‘Ámate mucho,’ and in English, like ‘You are enough.’ Tell me more about that.
A: I like creating products for both audiences, in Spanish and in English. Also, I look to inspire Latina women that are in the same position as me, or moms that are at home, inspire them to create some type of entrepreneurship or to have some type of hobby. I think in some way that can contribute to my community.
Q: How long does it take to make one of your products?
A: It is not easy. I do it myself and first I have to design them, after I have to print, put it together, then take heat presses. Once you learn and know the rhythm the productivity is a bit faster.
Q: What would you say to someone looking to start a business?
A: For them to do it with what they have, with what they can! To work hard, have discipline and above all, consistency.
Cover Photo: Credit ataliaworld instagram
Mariana Bermudez is a second-year student at Northwestern University studying journalism and creative writing. An aspiring bilingual sports journalist, she hopes to represent Latina women in the sports industry, while continuing to report on issues that affect Hispanic and Latino communities. When she is not pitching a story or reporting on the ground, she can be found taking Latin dance classes, learning Portuguese or reading a good romance novel.
She can be found on LinkedIn here and on Instagram as @mari_bermudez05
Publisher’s Notes: This story, among others, was produced by undergraduate students in the bilingual reporting class at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media & Integrated Marketing Communications.
Led by Prof. Mei-Ling Hopgood, the class aims to help journalism students practice sensitive and ethical engagement and reporting with multicultural communities in Spanish and English. Students visited the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Business Expo at Navy Pier last fall and interviewed local business owners.