Today’s I See You® blog features the charismatic Rosa Aurora Oviedo Polanco, owner of PóAR handbags. PóAR spells the initials, backwards of this boss babe and stands for Proud Original Authentic Rosa.
YES, mujer! That’s how you make your intentions known!
Amy & I had the pleasure of meeting Rosa at the HSN American Dreams Academy in Cincinnati, where we instantly fell in love with Rosa’s energy and her handbags.
For any woman on the go, we all know that our purses are the real black hole. Am I right? But she not only designed it to be practical for the on-the-go woman, she also made designed them to be gorgeous!!
Rosa is a mother, wife and entrepreneur who is busy doing what it takes to get her brand, PóAR out to the masses.
Her handbags have been featured on New York runways and in the hands of model, Victoria Barbara. Her PóAR bag was even recently in the QP Fashion Magazine, March issue (page 75).
Enjoy learning a little more about this amazing woman!
What or who inspired you to create your business? Tell us about your business.
My inspiration is everyday commuters like myself. As a commuter and businesswoman I was tired of opening my bag while commuting looking for my belongings and not being able to have them readily available. Therefore, I designed a bag with organized compartments outside the bag, so I didn’t have to go inside and dig. This convenience I was convinced was marketable and now have the PóAR bag.
Who saw you and supported your dreams?
My husband, Kleber Navas, and my family.
What song heals your soul?
I am a romantic woman. I love romantic and meaningful songs. Any singer or song that touches my heart my feelings.
What does it mean to YOU to feel seen?
To me, it means someone sees the inside of me. My heart. My Soul. My Truth.
What’s your go-to, self-care tip?
Be yourself. Be sincere. Learn how to prioritize your time. Love yourself first and then share that love and compassion to everyone.
Growing up, did you play an instrument and/or did you participate in any organized sports? How do you think these activities helped shape you as a person?
I grew up in a safe and wonderful environment in the Dominican Republic. My parents were able to enroll me in one of the best schools in D.R., giving me the best education and access to a lot of sports. This helped me to become an amazingly talented tennis player, where I had the opportunity to be part of a tennis team and win more than 100 trophies and medals. I had the privilege of representing the Dominican Republic and travel to several countries, including Guadalupe, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and USA. I am an excellent volleyball and soccer player and also excelled as a swimmer. I had the privilege to live in a place that provided me the opportunity to learn and participate in all of these sports on a daily basis. This is the reason I am so confident in myself, because I know first who I am and what I am capable of.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be yourself. Learn as much as you can. And listen, so you can learn even more.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone thinking about starting their own company?
Save money first, before you invest. Research your product or idea before you invest, and make sure to have a team or friends who are willing to work with you and help you out.++
Rosa, WE SEE YOU!! You are such a light, full of energy and excitement. We honor your passion and what you are creating with PóAR. We appreciate your hustle because you optimize the go-getter spirit. We celebrate YOU for how you see the world and that you celebrate everything around you!
Meeting Rosa last summer was such a gift and she inspires all who meet her. Join us in rooting on this amazing NYC boss babe who has is changing the functionality and fashion of handbags!
Check out her website at https://www.poarwear.com/ to learn more about her company. Don’t forget to show her some support by following her on Instagram and Facebook.