Creative Spotlight: Lili Muñoz
Written by Kymberly Lawyer, Photographed by Brogan Donahoe | Read time 3 min
Cultivating a community is one of the aspects we have been so excited about at Good Ancestor. It has truly become a fulfilling experience as we are given the opportunity to learn and grow from others in the design, creative, and artisan communities.
Santa Barbara hosts a plethora of small boutiques, pop up shops and markets, where local artists, makers, and creators can share all of their handmade and vintage goods. One of the markets that we have been so inspired by is the Mujeres Makers Market which centers women of color in the community, which is were we met Lili Muñoz of Colibrí!
In today’s interview, we sit down with Lili and get a glimpse of what set off her entrepreneurial spirit, insight on finding solutions to income inequality and social justice through fair trade practices, and establishing a community through her work.
Tell us about your journey and how it has led you to the place you are today.
I was born and raised in the Eastside of Santa Barbara, I began traveling to places other than Mexico at the age of 18, doing a lot of backpacking trips and living in places like; Spain, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. I've always had an appreciation for art and have early memories of having an affinity for handmade goods from my yearly visits to Mexico as a kid.
As you know, I majored in sociology so people and cultures have always fascinated me. When I turned 30 I had a bit of an existential crisis; I questioned what I was doing with my life and was no longer fulfilled at my full time office job. I came up with the idea of Colibrí as a means to travel abroad for work.
“Thanks to Colibrí I have been able to create my dream job. A project that combines my love for travel, culture, social change, art and customer service.”
Every Colibrí product is labeled with the artisan’s name as well as how many hours it took to make
How have you incorporated your sociology background and particular interest in social justice and income inequality into your work?
Artisans make up an important labor source in developing countries like Mexico and Colombia. The problem is that artisan work is in a decline because of mass production and the lack of appreciation of artisan goods. I'm able to apply social justice and decreasing inequality by following fair trade practices, in addition I give a percentage of sales back to the artisans quarterly. I also strive to educate customers on the processes and the amount of labor that goes in to the products I sell so customers can value the artisans. Since I buy from artisans directly I can also tell customers who made the item and therefore somewhat establishing a connection between maker and buyer.
Colibrí's artisan made goods feature bursts of color, texture, patterns, prints, and eclectic materials. What do you look for when sourcing for Colibrí?
I look for quality, but also look for items that tell stories, that are handmade, that have a historical background or cultural relevance. I'm also always on the lookout for items that are more eco friendly, say items made out of natural fibers or natural dyes. My goal is to help with cultural preservation of artisan goods.
We connected at the Mujeres Makers Market. How have these markets, pop ups, and events impacted you and your business?
Markets and events allow me to connect with people and better explain how items are made and where they come from. It's also a happy medium to have a physical presence in a city like Santa Barbara where commercial real estate is so expensive and having a storefront may not be the best option.
The animalitos feature scrap wool fibers recycled from the textile market in South America
How does sustainability come into play with your work? Do you have any sustainability tips?
I sell a lot of products that are sustainable but I believe I still have a long way to go. I do know that I want to always keep sustainability at the center of my business as I grow. For example, right now I am working on my mail packaging, I'm focusing on sustainable packaging. I'm also thinking of a Colibrí buy back program.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in seeing others live out their dreams, this inspires me to do the same.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
That Colibrí is my dream job, that I'm able to share my Mexican culture and the countries I have lived in through artisan goods. I've had a positive impact on the artisans I collaborate with. Being one of the creators of Mujeres Makers Market and creating a community of woman business owners.
What motivates you?
My parents motivate me, they are immigrants from Mexico who came with very little money, they have worked very hard doing extraneous work. My dad was a janitor full time and a gardener, my mom cleaned a home in Montecito. They were always very grateful to have jobs. I never heard them complain and did everything with a lot of grace. On days when I doubt myself and capabilities I think of them and how far they've come. They motivate me to keep on going and to have a good attitude.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face with owning a small business and how do you overcome them?
I'm a one woman team, no one is there to teach you the ropes of owning your own business. There's a lot of trial and error.
What’s the best advice you’ve received both personally and professionally?
Don't take things personal.
What are three things you are thankful for?
My family, my health, my community
How are you making future generations proud?
I'm currently breaking a lot of cultural norms by Mexican American standards, I'm 36 not married, don't have kids, don't have a "job" have a semi nomadic lifestyle. Some people don't understand but I know future generations will look back and be proud of me for breaking out of the norm. From a business perspective future generations can be proud of my non competitive style. I believe in collaboration over competition when it comes to other businesses.
To see more of Colibrí’s artisan made homewares check out their website and follow them on Instagram.
