Who is Guadalupe Alvarez?
Entrepreneur, passionate about world cultures and textiles, free-spirited and curious. This is how we could describe Guadalupe, an icon of San Miguel de Allende who is also well known internationally thanks to Penzi Weddings, which she founded and has been running with great success for several years.
The protagonist of LOCAL May 2021
We are very happy and honored to have Guadalupe as the face of our May issue. A hard-working woman who has built a wonderful platform of joy for so many couples in Mexico and other corners of the planet. We had the opportunity to exchange a few words with her, so she could tell us in her own voice what her life experience has been like and the lessons she has learned throughout her career.
“The energy of San Miguel is unmatched.” –Guadalupe Álvarez Brunel
L: What did you find or what do you continue to find in San Miguel that led you to make it your home and your business center?
GA: The people of San Miguel, above all, are very kind and gentle. The architecture and its streets are so pretty and romantic, but especially its people.
L: Of all the places in the world that you have visited, is there any that calls to you, that moves you as much as San Miguel has?
GA: I have traveled a lot and there are many places that I like, but the energy of San Miguel is unmatched, and combined with the fact that my family and friends are here, it is truly the place where I want to be.
L: How did Penzi Weddings start? Did you expect it to become the institution it is today?
GA: Of course not! When we started I had no idea. We thought if we could do one wedding a month it would be amazing, now we do 95 in a normal year, and the team has grown from 2 to 40 people, plus everyone who works on the weddings. I am very lucky.
L: How did you manage to cope with the shutdown of the events industry for most of 2020? What was your biggest learning?
GA: It was very difficult because we were used to working non-stop, seeing couples and guests enjoying themselves and having a good time, and suddenly we didn't have that anymore. But my team of planners never stopped and we continued to serve the couples, encouraging them because it was also very difficult for them. And we invested those months in training and courses, so we invested in being better. My biggest learning has been to be patient.
L: Do you have any anecdotes with boyfriends/clients that have left their mark on you and motivated you to continue doing what you do?
GA: There is no special anecdote. All couples are special and I learned from them. But knowing that we are part of their story makes us very happy.
L: Tell us about María Brunel Mexico, a project so lively and colorful that it seems to have happened very naturally… When did it begin? What has been the most satisfying part of this project? And what does it mean for you and your sister to return to the old Guayuje Factory?
GA: Maria Brunel reflects my passion for textiles and for the traditional work of women. Strong, hard-working and determined women who want to continue with their traditions. I have spent many years meeting artisans from different parts of the world. Making bows, getting to know each other, learning their techniques and getting quality threads and fabrics so that people pay them what they deserve; these are pieces that sometimes take months to be ready and are works of art. Now I am happy to share these textiles with everyone and to be able to continue supporting these artisans. I love that Guajuye has life, that people go and have a good time, it is something very important for my family.
L: Finally, what advice would you give to all those people who want to start a business but are not sure or do not dare yet?
GA: First, they should create a business model, investigate whether what they want to do already exists. And if they think that doing this is a good business, they should work hard putting all their energy into it without ever giving up.
We would like to thank Guadalupe Álvarez for all the facilities provided for this edition of LOCAL. Visit smapenzi.com and Maria Brunel to learn more about her projects. You can also follow her on Instagram to discover their travels and passions.
Find LOCAL May 2021 in hotels, restaurants, concept stores, galleries and all the hotspots around San Miguel de Allende; and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out about new places and everything that's happening in the city. See you next time 'On the Cover'!
