04-15-2024
To mark Entrepreneurship Day, which is celebrated today, we wanted to tell you a little more about Elena's story and take advantage of the day to bring together different female entrepreneurs with whom we share some values.
Elena Peña is a hardworking, perfectionist, dreamy and romantic entrepreneur from Madrid, who combines her passion for animals, nature and the world of shoes and bags, in that order.
Her brand, Micuir, unites these passions through eco-friendly fashion that prioritizes environmental care and social responsibility.
Elena's passion for fashion began about 15 years ago when she worked at renowned companies such as Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, where she learned the importance of perseverance to achieve her goals, experiences that have led her to apply what she learned in her own company.
THE BEGINNINGS OF MICUIR
When Elena Peña created Micuir, it arose from the need to fly solo, to feel free, to trust her own instinct and judgment, and from the desire to create unique, original designs that she could not find on the market and that reflected the traditions and arts of the past of Spanish master artisans.
When she started Micuir, she thought about creating a design that would not leave anyone indifferent, different boots, ankle boots with studs, black ankle boots until she arrived at the design of the iconic Punky Boots , a wardrobe staple that everyone loved.
As time went on, she decided to expand her product line to include guest shoes and heeled sandals . Seeing the incredible reception she received, and recognizing the high demand in this segment, she decided to launch bridal shoes .
ENTREPRENEURS AND FRIENDS
María Santos, Andrea, and María Gálvez share their vision of entrepreneurship, offering advice and insights for women who want to start their own projects. As close friends of Elena and having known her since the beginning, they share their perspective on what Elena and Micuir represent as an entrepreneur and company.
Maria Santos
An entrepreneurial woman who founded her interior architecture studio María Santos in 2015 after graduating from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, where she discovered her true passion for design after initially studying Law due to family tradition.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
“For me it’s like having another child; it involves a lot of effort and sacrifice, but at the same time it represents a great reward, something truly beautiful.”
Any advice for all female entrepreneurs?
“They shouldn’t demand too much of themselves or be too hard on themselves. Especially mothers spend all day feeling bad for not being everywhere and not being able to do everything. They should be a little more relaxed and compassionate with themselves.”
What do you value about Elena's career as the founder of Micuir?
“I’ve known Elena from the very beginning, when she was starting out and didn’t even have a shop yet. I’ve watched her grow, become a mother, and I truly admire how she’s handled it all. She deserves incredible credit for how she’s managed everything, and I’m especially impressed by the change she’s undergone from having her first child to her second, handling it in a much more relaxed way. I think that’s really wonderful.”
What is your favorite Micuir design?
"I love all shoes, but these embroidered ones are truly spectacular and very comfortable! Even though I'm wearing heels , they're very comfortable."
Andrea Rochera
After ten years in the wedding industry, Andrea and Laura decided to launch their own business, founding Fit for Weddings in 2015, driven by their passion for weddings and events. They enjoy being trusted advisors, attending to every detail and coordinating everything to ensure a perfect day, transforming couples' hard work into a resounding success that represents their greatest reward.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
“For me, entrepreneurship is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle where I put my creativity at the service of others to make their dreams come true.”
Any advice for all female entrepreneurs?
“It’s crucial that they take care of themselves, as their well-being is their greatest asset. They shouldn’t neglect themselves, because when they feel good about themselves, they can perform better both with clients and in their business.”
What do you value about Elena's career as the founder of Micuir?
“Elena is an admirable person, and I greatly value her warmth, as Micuir feels like a big family where we all feel included. I also greatly appreciate her professionalism, as I know she meticulously maintains her quality standards in both products and designs. This is what gives Micuir its value and quality.”
What is your favorite Micuir design?
“My favorite sandals are the Genara Coco Black . I think they're ideal for all kinds of events, whether I'm a wedding guest or attending other events. They have the perfect heel height and are extremely comfortable. In my day-to-day life, I usually opt for a more casual style, and my favorites are definitely the Punky Boots . I find them very stylish and consider them a true icon of the brand.”
María Gálvez
María Gálvez, known as Goutdhestia on social media, has always had a deep passion for food and dining. Despite her background in Business Administration and her work in digital business, she decided to pursue her love of gastronomy and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. Now she dedicates herself to her brand, Goutdhestia, which reflects her love for fine dining.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
“For me, entrepreneurship means being brave. It involves risking everything: your family, your self-esteem, your security, and your career. That's why, when people ask me about entrepreneurship, I think the key word is 'courage'.”
Any advice for all female entrepreneurs?
"It's important that they are authentic and not influenced by the opinions of others. They must follow their own path and trust their intuition."
What do you value about Elena's career as the founder of Micuir?
“I’ve known Elena from the very beginning, when she was starting out and didn’t even have a shop yet. I’ve watched her grow, become a mother, and I truly admire how she’s handled it all. She deserves incredible credit for how she’s managed everything, and I’m especially impressed by the change she’s undergone from having her first child to her second, handling it in a much more relaxed way. I think that’s really wonderful.”
What is your favorite Micuir design?
“The iconic Esclavas are my favorites; I already have a pair in black and I would love to have them in blue and white too. They are ideal and super comfortable.”
