Inside Vallarta: Women Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurial women are steadily impacting Puerto Vallarta’s economic and cultural growth. This stunning tropical destination is firmly planted, taking deep root on the global map as “The Friendliest City in the World" for visitors and residents. When I travel, I delve deep into a locale with the hope of discovering people who have found their purpose and making their mark doing what they love. Let me introduce five women entrepreneurs doing just that in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!
TATIANA MENESES SANCHEZ
Professional Private Tour Guide
Vallarta is one of the most successful global destinations for those seeking anything from secluded beachfront hotel luxury to full-on immersion with locals and the international tourist vibe found in areas including Old Town and Zona Romantica. Using a knowledgeable, professional guide is a valuable tool to show and teach more than you may learn on your own when choosing to explore. Known as 'Tatiana from Puerto Vallarta,' I have booked this energetic and talented dynamo because she is a local well-versed with anything everywhere in and around Puerto Vallarta. She'll take you by boat to whale watch early in the morning, deep sea dive near scenic Los Arcos (she is a fully certified diver with years under her flippers!), then sail over to lunch on the beach in Yelapa. A super trusted cultural guide, she'll educate you while having fun simultaneously. You'll love taking day trips or even overnight stays in charming destinations such as the mountainous colonial town of San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco. Book her again and again since you can't do or see it all in one day!
Connect with her at: +52 322 172 7205
LINDA BALTAZAR
Fashion Designer & Boutique Owner - Hilo y El Mar
This fashionista started at eight years old with thread and needle in hand, steadily forging her path. Linda's fresh and straightforward designs reflect her inspiration from the beach, seaside living, and nature. Using linen and cotton fabrics, she cuts for fit and versatility. Her unique color dye sources include avocado, crushed berries, and flowers. Since moving to PV from Guadalajara in 2017, she launched her first collection for Hilo y El Mar in 2019 from a small showroom and workshop on downtown Calle Matamoros. A strategized move to up-and-coming Versalles provides a larger open space where a talented team of seamstresses brings her visions to life. The finished work beautifully drapes on hangers, ready to try on. Her brand is committed to small collections, limited stock, and not being produced in mass. Her designs create a desirable and distinguishable appeal within the creative Puerto Vallarta lifestyle. I accidentally discovered her a few years ago on a walk and realized I'd become an enormous fan with 27 pieces in my collection! I travel with many selections to wear on their own or accent with oversized jewelry. People often ask, "Where did you find your fab outfit?" I eagerly reply, "Hilo y El Mar!"
Location: Hamburgo 148, Versalles 48310
YUDMILA MALDONADO
Hair Stylist & Esthetician
We all need to tend to the everyday ritual of being healthy and looking presentable, if only to make ourselves feel good. Caring for your hair is one way we do this. Yudmila started her own business in the quiet Emiliano Zapata Vallarta Old Town neighborhood off busy Basilio Badillo six years ago. She is an experienced, fully trained stylist and esthetician who thoroughly enjoys her profession. Initially from Tepic, where she studied/graduated, her move to Puerto Vallarta caused exponential growth from a clientele consisting of regular locals and ex-pats of all ages. Several years ago, I walked by the 2-chair salon and watched her quietly coif a seated client with expertise. Three more people were sitting against the wall on a tufted cushion, waiting their turn. Her attention to detail was on-point, taking her time with no rush. She has been my stylist for three years. The only one I completely trust to cut my hair, and that's saying a lot! Because of her talent, being well-grounded, and kind demeanor, I know she'll continue to grow and make a difference in her field!
Location: Constitucion #431, Col Emiliano Zapata
NATASHA MORAGA
Urban Artist + Muralist
I've spent the past few years in awe of the colorful open-air galleries of inspiring mosaics found on cement benches, columns, and murals showcased throughout Zona Romantica's Lazaro Cardenas Park, Old Town, the Marina Vallarta, along with other residential and commercial neighborhoods. This American-born Mexican tile artist found her purpose by implementing the impactful trencadis technique in her mosaic designs. She uses irregular forms of broken pieces and shards of glazed ceramics and glass set one piece at a time creating recognizable patterns. She has spearheaded public installations using volunteers she teaches in workshops who can then contribute their designs to projects creating beautiful mosaic art for the community and visitors to enjoy daily. The tropical sun shines even more brightly as it reflects from the hand-applied colorful surfaces inspired by Natasha, which show her love, commitment, and devotion for Puerto Vallarta!
KATHLEEN ATKINS
Chocolatier, Owner - Xocodiva Artisan Chocolates
Want chocolate? I've found just the place to satisfy that craving from Xocodiva! Imagine sourcing cacao beans from Mexico and other small farms in Latin America, then sending them over to Belgium for processing. They're imported back to Puerto Vallarta in large blocks of chocolate to this lovely ex-pat American who possesses a gift and talent for confectionery. The Belgian chocolate gets perfectly tempered and poured into molds for bite-sized decadence or created into truffles (like Limoncello!), bars and barks enveloped with surprise spicy, savory, and sweet ingredients. Using European chocolate artistry with Meso-American culture is the mix for success. She owns three boutique locations, including a new production kitchen and cafe everyone's discovering. Kathleen lives and shares the dream with all who stop in to browse and admire, buy or say hello. Each piece is hand-done, a one-of-a-kind work of art. Don't bother counting calories!
Location: Emiliano Zapata, Aquiles Serdan 369
While I delight in knowing these five noteworthy women personally, it was a definite challenge to choose just a handful from the many thriving in this vibrant and energetic city! I look forward to sharing more entrepreneurial women for you to know, read, and learn about in the future.
Connect with me if you would like to know more regarding this or any of my blogs. I'm happy to answer your questions.
