Women running their own companies? We love to see it. In our series Small Business Spotlight, we chat with independent fashion entrepreneurs about their journey to be-your-own-boss status. Here, tips for raising funds, developing a marketing strategy, navigating social media, and more—straight from women who have done it themselves.
Analía Barbieri’s yoga practices taught her to live with intent—to connect more with nature, people, and creativity—but living and working in Mexico City’s fast-paced, high-stress fashion industry meant she had little time. When she moved out of the city and relocated to the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula, she could finally marry her fashion career with her spiritual journey.
Having formed relationships with a community of generational hat makers across Mexico City, Merida, and Guanajuato, Barbieri felt passionate about keeping the art of hat making alive. It became the impetus for her custom hat company, Inti Spirit. Barbieri works with milliners and creates personalized handmade hats using natural materials like stones, feathers, coins, and upcycled fabrics. Here, we chatted with Barbieri about why connecting—on all levels—is the foundation for her growing company. Her approach to business mirrors her philosophy in life: The journey is just as important as the outcome.I’m naturally a creator, but it’s important to understand the business side in order to grow.
Right now I work one-on-one with boutiques to create custom collections and I work virtually with clients who want to create a special piece. My goal is to have a beautiful storefront, but I feel like right now is not the moment to do that. I am focusing on what’s right in front of me first: growing our team, my online presence, and continuing to help people connect with their creativity through local gatherings and workshops.