November 19 marks Women Entrepreneurs Day, a time to celebrate the effort, creativity, and resilience of over 700,000 women across Chile who work daily to build their businesses. These women contribute not only to their families’ well-being but also to the country’s economic development. Here, we highlight five inspiring entrepreneurs who, with talent and determination, have turned their dreams into reality while positively impacting their communities. Each has been recognized by Fundación Luksic through programs like Impulso Chileno, Impulso Inicial, and Despega Mujer.
Sueños JT – Evelin Carrasco
Ten years ago, Evelin Carrasco was searching for a way to safely co-sleep with her baby. She came across an online tutorial for making a co-sleeping nest pillow and, without any prior sewing experience, crafted her first product using her grandmother’s old sewing machine. That’s how her business, Sueños JT, was born.
Since then, Evelin’s business has steadily grown, enabling her to create jobs for others. “This business started as a dream and has grown thanks to perseverance, resilience, and discipline. The key is to believe in yourself and keep moving forward,” she says.
Based in Parral, in Chile’s Maule region, Evelin offers co-sleeping cribs, nursing pillows, bedding sets, and personalized covers, among other products. You can find her work on Instagram at @suenosjt, with shipping available across Chile.
Taoma – Rosa Gutiérrez
From bell peppers and avocados to llamas and surfboards, these are just some of the fun and unique shapes that Rosa Gutiérrez brings to life in her handmade soaps through her business, Taoma.
A lifelong artist and creator, Rosa channels her creativity into artisan soaps that showcase her love for design. “My business makes me happy. It fulfills an innate need to create. For 25 years, I’ve also worked in ceramics, crafting my own molds inspired by what I see every day. It’s something I love and never want to stop doing,” she shares.
Rosa’s soaps celebrate local culture, incorporating designs inspired by the Arica and Parinacota region. For instance, her “mousse” soaps replicate the iconic beaches of Arica. Explore her products at taoma.cl or on Instagram at @taoma.arica.
El Botiquín de las Hadas – Danitza Arriagada
During the pandemic, Danitza Arriagada combined her love of nature with her knowledge of natural therapies to create El Botiquín de las Hadas. Her business specializes in medicinal herbs, teas, and herbal blends.
“My idea was to offer a natural alternative for people dealing with health issues. I started by collecting herbs like lemon balm, chamomile, and rue from southern Chile, drying them, and selling them as infusions,” she explains.
After formalizing her business in 2021, Danitza expanded her offerings to include herbal kits for various ailments, accompanied by detailed usage guides. You can find her products on Instagram at @elbotiquin_delashadas or on her website, elbotiquindelashadas.cl, with nationwide delivery.
Emprendidas Chile – Karina Alarcón
Karina Alarcón’s business, Emprendidas Chile, focuses on helping other women entrepreneurs succeed. Her idea was born from her own experience. “Before this project, I had two of my own design lines. Along the way, I met many women who needed help with branding, such as logos and labels,” she recalls.
Through her business, Karina offers personalized support for small businesses in sewing, jewelry-making, and crafts. Her services include graphic design consultation, label production, and logo creation.
“What I love most about entrepreneurship is being in charge of my own growth, income, and goals. Knowing that there are no limits and that everything depends on my enthusiasm and hard work. It’s deeply fulfilling to help other women position their brands,” she says. Find her services at @emprendidas.chile.
Jardín Aristata – Alejandra Mora
Alejandra Mora, from Chillán in the Ñuble region, inherited her love for plants from her mother. After years working in retail, she decided to pursue her passion full-time, launching Jardín Aristata, a business focused on cacti and succulents.
While the journey was challenging, Alejandra’s perseverance helped her build a thriving business that has been operating successfully for a decade. “Being my own boss allows me to manage my time and work with a personal sense of purpose. Every success is for me and my family. Knowing that my business helped my eldest son graduate from medical school is a joy beyond words,” she says.
Alejandra also offers workshops twice a week for women interested in starting their own succulent businesses. She founded a group for women entrepreneurs who collaborate on projects and attend fairs together. Check out her plants on Instagram at @jardinaristata, with nationwide shipping available.
