Mariana Loeza
Hello, my name is Mariana Loeza. I am a civil engineer (specializing in sustainable development) and also I am an entrepreneur (Co-Founder of La Fábrica Cafetería and Creator of Sustenta Mx).
Coffee and science are my passions; every day I try to learn new things and to apply them in my life. I have published a scientific paper about marine intrusion in the costal aquifer Costa de Hermosillo. With the work I’ve done through the years in my projects, I won a grant from The Open Knowledge Foundation to do an Open Data Day at my city.
For my hobbies, I love cycling, running, practicing judo, and speaking in different languages (I am fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese).
Companies: La Fábrica Cafetería and Sustenta Mx
Location: Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Operating since: 2018
Facebook: LaFabricaCafeteria & SustentaMx
Instagram: @lafabricamxcafeteria & @sustentamx
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yqgQP9IFzSMbQ41mmEcfl
Tell us all about your work.
I started my projects aiming to apply what I learned at school. I believe that economic growth is not against sustainable development. La Fábrica Cafetería is a sustainable specialty coffee shop based on the circular economy goals, the first of it’s kind in my city, and Sustenta Mx is an online blog that includes a podcast, infographics, images, and all kinds of digital content in order to disseminate knowledge related to sustainable development.
Tell us a bit about your co-founders.
In La Fábrica Cafetería, my co-founders are Aida Renteria, she is in charge of food innovation; Emiliano Loeza, he is the one in charge of administration; and Alberto Loeza, he is our logistics advisor. We, as a family, are trying to make huge our coffee shop project. In Sustenta, Mayra Garcia is my principal collaborator. We are trying to share all that happens in the scientific sphere related to sustainable development in a nice and easy way, so anyone can understand it, and maybe apply it in their lives.
How did you get the ideas or concepts for your projects?
In the coffee shop project, La Fábrica Cafetería, my inspiration was the belief that we can have sustainable businesses, to help our cities to [meet] sustainable development goals. The blog project, Sustenta, was born after an international congress that I attended in Brazil in 2017. I noticed that just a few people knew and understood what scientifics were saying, so I noticed that that situation happens also in my country and I wanted to make a change.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company/organization?
Yes, always. When I was in elementary school, money was a huge problem in my house. My dad worked out of town so I started selling candies, sandwiches, and everything stable. Also, I start giving private lessons and stuff, all to help my family. So, since then I had the idea to develop my own opportunities to reach my dreams.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your projects?
I learned how to be organized, how to get clients, and to treat them right. Also helped me to know how much my work cost.
What are the biggest obstacles you've had to overcome?
Money and age. I am 29, but look younger, so I have to fight with the people’s idea about age - “she is young, we can’t rely on her”. And money, well to do everything we need money, but this input is not always available.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success?
Success, for me, is doing what you love and loving what you do. So, I consider myself really lucky to be able to do what I love, and to love what I do.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
Yes, by teaching, helping, caring, sharing - when women support women, anything is possible.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
I’m working in shipping what we produce to all states in Mexico, and soon overseas.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Be cunning and trust your heart. Study, prepare yourself, and surround with people that help you to grow. But overall, don’t be afraid.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Multipotential
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." to be strong, to help other women to grow, to be the woman you want to share with.