Mariana- Buenos Aires
What is your current skincare routine?
My skincare routine is very spotty. I don’t do it regularly so it's more of a treat. Once in a while, I do a peel or a mask.
Do you have a go-to skincare product that you can't live without? Why is it your favorite?
My hyaluronic acid serum is an effective product for low-maintenance girls like me.
What’s your favorite beauty tip or secret you’ve learned from others or discovered yourself?
I’m more of an inner beauty type of person. If you want to feel beautiful externally, the first step is to feel comfortable as you are.
How do you balance your busy lifestyle with self-care? What are your favorite rituals for maintaining your well-being?
Every couple of months, I book a spa day. I run two businesses, so life can get very hectic. Besides the occasional spa days, I try incorporating aerial yoga whenever possible.
Who is a woman that has inspired you, and what did you learn from her?
My biggest inspiration is my grandmother. She was born and raised in Argentina, the daughter of Jewish immigrants. Her parents were trying to fight religious prosecution, so she has a unique perspective and take on life. She’s a complete trailblazer. Back in the day, ladies in Argentina often attended medical school to meet a husband, but my grandmother was different. She actually became a doctor. As an endocrinologist, she was a pioneer in treating the trans community and worked extremely hard to make a name for herself in a male-dominated sphere. She is incredibly liberal, open-minded, and firmly believes in doing whatever makes you happy, regardless of what others think. I like to joke that I am the way I am today because I was raised in a matriarchy, all thanks to her.
Can you share some advice that has significantly impacted your life?
My grandma always used to say that if it’s an issue that can be solved with money, it’s not a real issue. Money comes and goes. The real issues in life have to do with interpersonal relationships and self-growth, and that’s what time and energy should be spent on.
What made you want to start your tourism business?
I worked as a professional tour guide for 11 years in an industry inundated with men. Many of the male guides I worked with narrowed the history and culture of my treasured community into stereotypes and cliches. Whenever I voiced my opinions, I was met with defensiveness. Eventually, they got so tired of telling me “no” that they pushed me to open my own business- so I did just that! I took their challenge happily, which has turned me into the businesswoman I am today!
What community experiences or connections do you hope to create for travelers through Lunfarda?
People travel to discover parts of their identities; they want to find a global family. For people from underrepresented groups, though, there are risks and restraints associated with traveling to faraway places. At Lunfarda, I aim to connect everyone, especially minorities, with their global families, in safe and inclusive ways. Like The Amaranthine Collective, Lunfarda aims to create empowering and international networks.
What are some of your biggest challenges when balancing tourism with community preservation?
As tourism continues to grow post-Covid, one of the most significant issues we may have is over-tourism. The main sites are becoming more and more crowded. I always try to steer people away from the main highlights and focus on more curated niche experiences, i.e., black history tours, queer tours, Jewish heritage, etc.
Argentina has much to offer, from bustling cities to untouched natural wonders. Can you share a few lesser-known spots or hidden gems that travelers might miss?
I would recommend visiting the Iberá Wetlands. This is an incredibly beautiful yet overlooked area of the country. It is home to such vast biodiversity. Unfortunately, in recent years, due to the trafficking of exotic animals, animals like jaguars have become extinct, and the ecosystem has struggled. Many locals killed the animals, as this was part of the culture. As this became more noticed, different philanthropic groups began talking to these locals, directing their energy away from killing and towards community growth. In a small amount of time, these locals became tour guides. Instead of killing, they become protectors- really quite a beautiful story. The ecosystem is slowly being rebuilt, so the Wetlands are quickly becoming an extraordinary safari destination. You’ll see all different types of incredible animal species, but you’ll also see locals engaging in sustainable community activism, which is special to witness.
Coolest travel experience?
My trip to Israel moved me. Walking through different areas, I felt so close to my ancestral family, knowing they had walked in the same places 3,000 years ago. It reminded me of the importance of where I came from. I would encourage people to take time to connect and preserve their heritage, as it is a sacred part of each and every one of us.
If you could describe your aura or energy in a color, what would it be and why?
Probably red because I’m a passionate person.
What’s a hobby or passion that people might not know about?
I’ve been taking Flamenco lessons with a gypsy singer and loving it!
What’s next for you, and what are you most looking forward to?
As you probably read above, becoming an entrepreneur was never the plan. It was something I needed to do in a field that desperately needed more of a female presence. As much as I’ve enjoyed running my business, I don’t have a formal background. I was recently chosen for a program called the Young Leaders of Americas Initiative, which empowers emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere to enable the full economic potential of the region's citizens. I'm so excited that this will be a pivotal life experience!