Rooted in Heritage, Designed for the World: Kathy Flores and ECUNAY
| Kathy Flores, an Ecuadorian entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, turned her passion for cultural heritage into a thriving luxury brand: ECUNAY. Inspired by the Quichua word Ananay—meaning “jewel” or “beautiful detail”—ECUNAY celebrates the elegance of Ecuadorian craftsmanship through handmade pieces created with noble materials like sheep wool and natural wood. Each item is crafted by women artisans from the Andean region, many of whom produce one-of-a-kind pieces. In doing so, Kathy not only preserves her cultural roots but also supports a network of women artisans, empowering them through economic opportunity and international visibility. What began as a heartfelt dream to share the beauty of her homeland has blossomed into an brand rooted in tradition, family, and artisanal excellence. With the support of the NEW Women’s Business Center (NEW-WBC), Kathy received personalized guidance to navigate the complexities of permits, business registration, and brand development. Through one-on-one consultations and programs like DreamBuilder, she developed a strategic business plan and is launching a professional e-commerce platform to bring ECUNAY to global markets. Kathy credits the NEW-WBC’s technical assistance—especially the individualized support and branding expertise—as a key factor in ECUNAY’s success. Today, her business not only generates income and preserves cultural heritage but also opens doors for future job creation and international growth. Kathy’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, identity, and the impact of empowering women entrepreneurs. Angela Gomez, Beyond and Clever |
