Since launching her leather business, Murats Bags, Maria José has led the business to enter new markets and win an Innovation Award for creating wedding souvenirs using leftover pieces of leather.
Photo credit: Rosa Yovera
Photo credit: Rosa Yovera
Since launching her leather business, Murats Bags, Maria José has led the business to enter new markets and win an Innovation Award for creating wedding souvenirs using leftover pieces of leather.
Based in Lima, Peru, Murats Bags was created out of necessity during the pandemic when Maria José Huamani and her husband, Cristian, were looking for productive ways to earn while at home. A cyclist himself, and seeing the increasing use of bicycles as people avoided public transportation, Cristian created a bike-friendly leather fanny pack which immediately became popular. Maria José saw the potential in expanding their offerings and decided to pivot their business interests towards producing leather handbags for women – and so Murats Bags was born.
Maria José has faced significant barriers as a woman entrepreneur. She recalls people questioning her ability to run a business that required substantial investment. “People didn’t trust me or believe in my work. They didn’t believe a young woman could start a business,” she explains. Moreover, as a mother, she has had to confront the traditional expectations placed on women to prioritize home responsibilities over business ambitions. She reflects, “People asked me why would I leave a safe job for this, especially with my duties as a mother. They thought the risks were too high,” identifying a struggle many professional women in Peru face when balancing social norms with ambition.
Maria José also encountered gender-based challenges in professional settings. In networking events, she often found herself sidelined, with potential partners speaking only to her husband, even though Murats Bags is her creation. “We go to business meetings together because this is a family company, and sometimes men will often only want to talk to my husband. This makes me feel inferior. For this reason, I always have my personal card and some merchandize to show them the work.”
Maria José credits her membership in the Asociación de Mujeres Empresarias del Peru (AMEP- Association of Business Women of Peru) as a vital source of her confidence – a support system that has helped her grow both personally and professionally. Through AMEP she has developed leadership skills, begun to advocate for other women in business, and found a likeminded community, “In a place full of women, we all walk together in the same direction.” Additionally, her support network has expanded through CARE, where she connects with women from various sectors facing similar challenges; “I feel I have a [network] that supports me. The simple fact of being able to talk to other women and be listened to; it’s a cathartic process.” The opportunity to share experiences and gain practical knowledge through Strive Women trainings has further strengthened her ability to lead her business and navigate challenges with confidence.
Since the beginning, Cristian has been supporting Maria José, both at home and in their business. He reflects on their partnership, highlighting how they complement each other, often encouraging her when she feels worried. He proudly notes, “What makes me proud of Maria José is her leadership, her decisiveness and perseverance. She has grown, and she pushes us to make things out of nothing.” He attributes much of their success to Maria Jose’s ability to see opportunities where others might not and her refusal to give up when faced with challenges. This belief in her abilities is unwavering, and his vision for her future is ambitious: “I see her not only as Murats’ CEO, but also rising to roles like a syndicate leader, a Minister, or even a President. We live in an era where women can, should, and must pursue their dreams. All my life, I will support her.”
When it comes to decision-making for their business, Maria José is firmly at the helm, “I am the one making decisions for Murats,” she explains, “I have the first and final word.” Yet, Cristian plays a crucial role in offering perspective. “He helps me see things I didn’t,” Maria Jose says, acknowledging his expertise as an artisan and his support in areas where her knowledge is limited. Cristian, fully supportive of his wife’s leadership, says, “I love the decisions my wife makes. We as men must ensure that women have access to opportunities to move forward.” He also highlights his role in their shared domestic work, “I’m the one closer to our kid, I am the one taking care of him the most.” Together, they navigate both business and family life with a sense of partnership and mutual respect. Cristian’s message for Maria Jose is simple: “Confidence is to have a dream and make it come true. Keep letting me help you.”
Maria José advises women who are thinking of starting their own business to take the leap. “That idea in your mind? Do it,” she encourages, emphasizing, “There is no worse regret than not trying.” She also calls on society to stop perpetuating stereotypes that limit women’s potential and urges people to support women entrepreneurs by promoting their products and offering positive feedback.
For herself, Maria José sees a future where she is able to open a big factory and see her dreams come true. Driven by her belief in her brand, the support of her husband, and her ability to make it happen, she states, “When I feel confidence in myself I feel nothing can stop me, I feel I can rock the world!”
Strive Women, led by CARE and supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, supports women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, Peru, and Vietnam, to grow their businesses through access to the networks, skills, and finances that build confidence and support decision-making.