Crafting Sustainability: The Colombian Artistry of Natalia Machado
By Crystal Gonzalez
Natalia Machado, an artisanal superstar, welcomes me into her studio. I walk in as she steadily pours soybean wax into her handmade containers. The wax falls into the containers like smooth, soft ribbons, each vessel evenly leveled out with precision. The air is filled with the invigorating scent of fresh eucalyptus and mint, a testament to Natalia's meticulous craftsmanship. Machado waits for the wax to settle and cool down to the perfect temperature so she can add her wooden wick. "I take inspiration from my home country of Colombia," Natalia shares, a sentiment echoed throughout her work at her seasonal pop-up shops. Each item she creates is imbued with intention, intimately connected to her roots and family back in Colombia.
Natalia Machado's journey is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Born and raised amidst the vibrant culture of Medellin, Colombia, Natalia's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during her most formative years. After completing her undergraduate studies in Colombia, she traveled to the United States to pursue her master's in business administration in Washington, D.C. “It wasn't an easy journey, but it was worth the sacrifice. I am proud to be a Latina in higher education”
Armed with her academic credentials, Natalia embarked on a career path in the corporate world. Machado landed a job with a furniture company, selling office furniture. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, leaving her without a job. Offices shut their doors and turned to remote work, making office furniture redundant. Natalia viewed this hardship as a chance to transition towards her genuine passion: sustainability, business, and artisanal craftsmanship. She decided to turn a negative situation into a positive one. From this mindset emerged "Hola I'm back," a name that not only signifies her resurgence from pandemic setbacks but also pays tribute to her Colombian heritage and native language.
At the heart of Natalia's brand is a commitment to sustainability, a value instilled by witnessing firsthand the environmental challenges in her homeland. Each meticulously crafted item in her collection tells a story of eco-consciousness and ingenuity. Natalia's product range is as diverse as it is environmentally friendly. From hand-poured soybean wax candles with wood wicks nestled in recycled cement containers, to statement jewelry made from unconventional materials like coconut husks, banana fibers, and recycled innertubes, her creations exude both elegance and sustainability.
As we explore the rest of her inventory, Natalia's passion for sustainability and creativity shines through. Each piece tells a story, a testament to her ingenuity and dedication to environmental stewardship. Natalia's gaze drifts to a bin of black necklaces, their texture resembling leather. However, these unique accessories are crafted from recycled bicycle tires—a revelation that never fails to captivate customers at her shop. "When I was a young girl in Colombia, bicycles were a common mode of transportation," Natalia reminisces. "I'd often see discarded bicycle tires littering the streets, and I wanted to find a way to repurpose them, to breathe new life into forgotten materials and combat waste."
With her parents by her side and a deep-rooted connection to her Colombian heritage, Natalia Machado's journey is not just one of entrepreneurship but of resilience, innovation, and a profound commitment to crafting a brighter, more sustainable future. Natalia holds up a necklace for me to feel, the intricate beadwork mesmerizes me. Lightweight and lustrous, the necklace gleams under the studio lights, a testament to her father's skillful craftsmanship. "My father, at 85 years old, makes these necklaces," Natalia reveals, showing me a picture of him meticulously stringing the beads together. "If I sell just one of my dad's necklaces in a day, I'm content," she adds, emphasizing the profound personal connection woven into every piece. Her parents' unwavering support is palpable, their pride evident in every meticulously crafted item. A true family affair, Natalia's parents play an integral role in her venture, infusing each piece with a touch of familial warmth and expertise. Her father, at 85 years young, painstakingly crafts glass beaded necklaces from recycled materials, while her mother lends her skilled hands to the creation of intricate bracelets.
Nurturing a culture of kindness, Natalia embodies the ethos of a compassionate leader. Her dedication to her craft extends beyond her products; she fosters genuine connections with her customers, embodying the spirit of a caring boss and entrepreneur. Currently, Natalia's creations grace the shelves of pop-up shops in iconic New York City locales such as Chelsea Market, SoHo Little Market, and Bryant Park. Yet, her aspirations extend far beyond these bustling markets. With her studio nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, Natalia envisions a future where "Hola I'm back" transcends boundaries, spreading its message of sustainability and Colombian flair worldwide.
As Natalia Machado continues to grow her business, her unwavering commitment to sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship serves as a beacon of inspiration for eco-conscious entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that resilience, creativity, and kindness can indeed change the world, one handmade creation at a time.