I’ve come to realize that a small batch model is really beneficial to my brand in terms of financial and creativity as well as offering my customers a one of a kind product. Buying is such an emotional experience for most people and they really appreciate the fact that they might be the only person who has that particular product.
These are the words of Maggie O’Reilly, the founder and designer behind Mayta Collection, which is a sustainable and ethical fashion brand inspired by travel, culture, and the preservation of artists and traditions from Peru and Morocco.
Travel and culture have had a huge influence in Maggie’s life. She moved away from home, which is the south-side of Chicago, to live and work in Mexico and then Argentina. Her science background in physics, chemistry and biology soon gave way to international languages, culture and culinary arts. Plus, entrepreneurship has always been in her blood with both her parents owning their own businesses. So the drive to combining her love and passion for textiles, color and pattern along with that wanderlust spirit led Maggie to create her own fashion brand. Mayta is centered around designing and utilizing textiles in one of a kind collection of home goods and women’s fashion accessories.
Maggie brings a lot of passion into everything that she does. She has a full time job but that does not mean Mayta is a hobby. She says that her family, her husband and her kids are very much a part of her entrepreneurial journey giving her the support she needs – be it in creativity and product ideation, running the financials or even just emotional support when she needs it.
Maggie is an outgoing and extroverted person. That became very apparent when she started talking about the importance of community. Maggie loves connecting with other business owners from all over the world – either via Instagram, social media or even during trade shows. She says if she finds someone interesting she is right there saying hello and making a honest connection. She also appreciates when people reach out to her asking for help and advise. “That’s how we can all grow, by helping and looking out for one another,” she says. “Don’t think about Instagram or social media as a popularity contest but think of making authentic connections with people who you find interesting.”
When asked about profitability, Maggie said something that quite a few other podcast guests have also said. Profitability should not be only measured in terms of financials. Emotional profitability is equally important and crucial for the long term growth and sustainability of your business and your brand.
I had so much fun chatting with Maggie and I know you are going to enjoy learning about this lovely lady and her ethical fashion brand on this episode of CulturallyOurs.
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