We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucia Mallea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucia, how do you think about risk?
I’m a bit impulsive, so taking risks is very much part of my nature.

I think risks provide an opportunity to grow and learn.

Throughout my career, I’ve seen that the more risks I take, the more I grow. I became friends with NOs and came to realize that there’s no such thing as a failed endeavor. After all, there’s always something to learn from every fall.

Taking risks is a crucial part of growing and going places. Getting too comfortable to me feels like being stuck. I recognize when that happens and know it is time to get out there and expose myself, try something new, and take a risk.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It all started with a small bracelet stand on my front porch.

My family was living in Montevideo, Uruguay at the time. I can remember teaching my friends how to twist old phone wires into colorful bracelets. I would tell them, ”Think about it, we’ll have fun and make a few pesos!”

As I grew, I looked for ways to turn my interests into businesses. For example, I had so much fun decorating for my wedding, that I created Wedding Factory to sell my handmade decorations.

Getting my products into the market, making a name for myself, managing a team, was not at all easy! But I learned a tremendous amount and it led me to back to my passion: crafting.

Now I get to do what I love everyday: share my love for crafting. Kind of like, teaching my friends how to make bracelets on my front porch, only now it’s a DIY video and my audience is bit bigger.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend would get the best, one day tour of Miami!

We’d definitely start the day on Calle Ocho with some rocket fuel aka Cuban cafecitos!

Then we’d head to South Beach to check out my favorite art deco architecture and visit some colorful lifeguard stations.

For lunch, pizzas in Mister O1 – a literal hole in wall restaurant with the absolute best pizza in Miami!

In the afternoon, we’re off to Fairchild Gardens to see some of the most exquisite orchids and all things green!

In the evening, we’re back to my home for an asado/BBQ with my husband and kids! Mama can’t have all the fun right?! We start the meal with charcuterie – cheese, cured meats, sweets & nuts! Finally, on to the main course, a meat buffet, plus, plenty of wine and beer to wash it all down.

My hope is that the day would be full of sights, sounds, tastes and laughter!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am the product of so many influences. But one person in particular helped shaped me into the person I am today, my mother. She inspired me to create and express myself without limits. I try to emanate her same positive energy everyday.

Website: www.luciamallea.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciamallea/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luciamallea/

Other: TikTok @soylumallea

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