Meet Sandra Elizabeth Artiles | Designer and Airline Flight Attendant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Elizabeth Artiles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra Elizabeth, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Being in the airline industry. About 13 years ago, I wanted to have something that would identify my luggage so people knew I was an airline crew. Something funny. A kind of lingo we in the airline only knew. So I decided to start printing some tag like fabric with our designated travel code. And started showing it . Some people got them, some just said “ here you are with another invention”. Little by little , I thought we should have our own lingo tags….. something that we can ID… and starting thinking of things we say on a daily basis at work, some other ideas came from friend that wanted me to succeed, and voila! Here we are selling wholesale to airline stores, making different products to complement the tags and making more designs for the regular passengers, making custom designs for all kin of businesses….

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My imagination sets me apart! I am so proud that my humor translated to something tangible that people can appreciate. The only way you can get anywhere is by being persistent. Constant. Patient. If something doesn’t work, try something new. Be ready to invest. And to lose. It was not easy a it is still not. Hour and hours of designing to produce a little tag. It’s not just one try, is takes several tries. Hopefully at the end it works!
I have learned that not everyone wishes you well, but you keep your path and overcome every obstacle.
I have added and subtracted other products to the Cukiegirl brand over the years. I have tried many different approaches and all along I had in my hands the product that was the most significant to me. So now it’s FUNNYBAGTAGS by Cukiegirl and it will continue to grow to get to a broader audience!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So as a Miamian! And living for the longest time in Miami Beach and now downtown, I will take them to Lincoln Road. It’s my neck of the woods. After almost 40 years. I am still in love with a walk to the beach thru Lincoln Road. Stopping by a little Cuban coffee place and buying empanadas to take to the beach. Feeling the beac breeze and seeing everyone as a tourist. Calle 8 on cultural Fridays it’s a must. Love love what is today Wynwood. Take a bike ride to Key Biscayne. And explore all the small restaurants in way..they are worth taking a look at…. Great trips to the keys. Key Largo Isla Morada and of course Key west.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people I want to thank. First, my co-workers, for believing and spreading the word of my craft. My New York Based Crew members that walked me into the stores to present my tags, and that resulted in me now selling to 8 stores. My daughter, Severine for always supporting me and looking for ways to expand my business. My Miami Crew Members for always supporting me and finding ways to promote my tags.

Website: Www.Funnybagtags.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.Com/funnybagtags

Linkedin: Funnybagtags

Facebook: https://Facebook.Com/Funnybagtags.Com

Other: Www.cukiegirl.Com