Meet MARIA BELEN RIVERO | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with MARIA BELEN RIVERO and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MARIA BELEN, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thinking process behind my business, Sudd Company, was a gradual and extensive one that unfolded over a period of two years. It all started with my active involvement in social initiatives, particularly through my project called “Empowered Women of Formosa.” This project aimed to assist women in Formosa by providing them with comprehensive training in various areas such as finance management, business skills, psychological support, and vocational training.

As I worked on this project, I became increasingly motivated to find a way for the women involved to earn a substantial income while also attracting individuals who appreciate artisanal products. It was during my frequent travels to Miami that I found inspiration and conceived the idea of starting Sudd Company. The core concept was to sell clothing created by talented, independent South American designers who specialize in artisanal craftsmanship. I recognized the high value placed on artisanal products in the American market and saw an opportunity to introduce a taste of our culture to Americans.

While the initial spark for Sudd Company came from my desire to empower women in Formosa, it quickly evolved into a broader vision of bridging cultures and showcasing the unique talents of South American designers. The two-year journey allowed me to refine and solidify this idea, considering various aspects such as market demand, supply chain logistics, and the potential impact on both the artisans and the target market.

In addition to the core concept, Sudd Company differentiates itself by offering versatile, high-quality clothing. Our objective is to enrich the style game by providing personalized, exclusive garments that capture the essence of our culture. Our powerful mission is to connect the American audience with Latin American culture and create quality jobs through the collaboration with the best independent designers in Latin America. We prioritize environmental sustainability, quality job creation, and paying homage to our Latin American heritage.

Overall, the thinking process behind my business was a transformative journey that combined my experiences in social initiatives, recognizing market opportunities, and leveraging the cultural significance of artisanal craftsmanship. Sudd Company serves as a conduit for empowering artisans, sharing our cultural heritage with the American market, and making a positive and conscious impact in the fashion industry.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sudd has a innovative and powerful mission: to connect the American public with the finest independent Latin American designers and promote sustainable fashion. Our goal is to empower our customers, who are bold individuals seeking to make a bold statement and stand out from the crowd.

What sets us apart from others in the industry is our commitment to enriching your style game with daring, personalized, and exclusive garments that embody the essence of our beloved and diverse culture. We carefully select brands that align with our purpose: generating quality work for Latin American artisans and offering handcrafted art in every garment. It’s a win-win situation!

At Sudd our customers discover a curated collection of premium, handmade pieces that exude confidence and sophistication. Our garments are designed to be versatile, allowing you to express your unique style in various settings. We understand that fashion should adapt to your lifestyle, and that’s why we strive to provide garments that effortlessly transition from day to night, from casual to formal.

Building our business and reaching where we are today has been an exhilarating journey, though not without its challenges. The fashion industry is highly competitive, but our passion for promoting Latin American designers and sustainable fashion has fueled our drive to overcome obstacles. We’ve worked tirelessly to establish strong partnerships with talented designers who share our vision, ensuring that every piece in our collection represents the highest quality and craftsmanship.

Through perseverance and dedication, we have built a strong network of designers and artisans, allowing us to offer our customers unique and exceptional pieces they can’t find elsewhere. We take pride in providing an opportunity for Latin American designers to showcase their creativity and talent on a global platform. By supporting these designers, we contribute to the growth of the Latin American fashion industry and empower local communities.

On this journey, we have learned invaluable lessons. We’ve discovered the importance of maintaining strong relationships with our designers, nurturing their growth, and fostering a collaborative environment. We’ve also realized the significance of sustainability in the fashion industry, both environmentally and socially. By promoting sustainable practices and fair trade, we strive to create a positive impact within the industry and support ethical production processes.

What we want the world to know about Sudd is that we are more than just a fashion brand. We are a movement that celebrates diversity, promotes empowerment, and supports artisans and designers who pour their heart and soul into their creations. By choosing Sudd, you’re not only embracing unique and stylish garments, but you’re also supporting a community of talented individuals and contributing to the growth of sustainable fashion.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of our diverse cultures.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Buenos Aires, I would take them on a week-long trip to explore the best the city has to offer. Here’s a little itinerary of where I would take them:

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

After their arrival, we would start by exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, such as Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta.
We would visit iconic landmarks like the Obelisco, Plaza de Mayo, and the colorful Caminito street in La Boca.

Day 2: Tigre Delta Adventure

We would take a day trip to the Tigre Delta, located just outside the city. There, we would hop on a boat and cruise along the waterways, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Exploring the islands, we would have the chance to relax, enjoy some water activities, and experience the unique lifestyle of the people living in the delta.
For lunch, we would head to El Fondeado, a fantastic restaurant known for its delicious potato gnocchi with stew.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

We would spend the day exploring Buenos Aires’ cultural scene. A visit to the Malba (Museum of Latin American Art) would be a must to admire its impressive collection of contemporary Latin American art.
In the evening, we would catch a tango show, where we could witness the passion and elegance of this iconic dance form.
]
Day 4: Foodie Delights

This day would be dedicated to indulging in Buenos Aires’ culinary delights. We would start with a visit to a traditional parrilla (steakhouse) to savor mouthwatering Argentine beef.
In the evening, we would explore the lively Palermo Soho neighborhood, known for its trendy bars and restaurants, and enjoy some local craft beers or cocktails.

Day 5: Market Shopping and History

We would visit the Feria de San Telmo, a bustling market where we could browse through antiques, handicrafts, and unique souvenirs.
Afterward, we would explore the historic Recoleta Cemetery, where notable figures such as Eva Perón are buried, and soak in the grandeur of the mausoleums.

Day 6: Nature Retreat

For a change of pace, we would escape the city and head to the nearby Tigre Nature Reserve. We could hike through the trails, rent bicycles, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 7: Farewell with Flair

On the final day, we would bid farewell to Buenos Aires in style. We could enjoy a rooftop cocktail with panoramic city views or indulge in a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) with friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this to my parents, who have supported me unconditionally, and to my network of friends. Especially Xin, who has been instrumental in my personal growth—thank you for everything! I also extend my gratitude to Gonzalo, and my therapist who helped me believe in myself and become the great person I am today. Last but not least, I want to dedicate this to myself for never giving up and bravely embarking on the challenging journey of self-discovery, which has ultimately led to my growth.

Website: www.suddcompany.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sudd.company/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sudd.company