By Tirzah Rezende
Andrea Mesa, founder and designer of the sustainable Uruguayan brand Tenaz, and prominent member of the MOLA Hub, has managed to integrate her passion for fashion with a firm commitment to sustainability. In this interview, she shared her trajectory, the values that drive her and the novelties that are coming up in Madrid.
The Tenaz story
Tenaz emerged in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. Its name reflects tenacity and perseverance, characteristics that define both the founder and the brand.
Tenaz values and philosophy
Tenaz's core values include product quality and durability, teamwork, valuing fair work, customer orientation, environmental responsibility, and professionalism. Motherhood had a significant impact on Andrea, leading her to delve into ethical and sustainable fashion.
Commitment to sustainability
At Tenaz, she follows a slow fashion philosophy, prioritizing sustainability, ethics and quality. Using high-quality Uruguayan leather, the brand values the craftsmanship and history behind each piece.
«Leather is a legitimate high-quality material. In Uruguay, we are a cattle-raising country and leather has been used since ancient times. That's why we decided to work with leather. It is a really elegant material. Another characteristic of Tenaz is that we work mainly to order, which allows us to be more sustainable and exclusive. This means that we produce only what is necessary, reducing waste and being more responsible for the environment. We have even started recycling not only for new creations, but also when our clients ask us to give a new touch to their old purses. It is exciting to be able to reuse and give new life to these high-quality leather products,” says Andrea.
The exclusivity of art
Tenaz not only creates fashion, but also collaborates with nationally and internationally recognized artists. These interventions result in exclusive pieces that combine fashion and art in a unique way.
International expansion and participations
In March, Tenaz participated in Universo Mola Fashion WeekOLA Fashion Weeka formidable experience that allowed Andrea to connect with other designers and learn new ideas. In June the brand was at the Magnolia Showroom in Madrid, presenting a capsule carried out by local and regional artists. Additionally, her recent visit to Brazil provided great inspiration and new opportunities for collaboration.
Future perspectives
In the last 3 years, the brand has made important progress and remains committed to its values of quality, exclusivity, durability and respect for the environment. It plans to expand its presence internationally and continue offering unique products that combine fashion, art and sustainability.
Without a doubt, our purchasing decisions transcend the act of purchasing a product itself. Opting for brands like Tenaz, which put ethics and quality at the forefront, goes beyond a simple transaction: it is a manifestation of our values. Every responsible purchase is a vote in favor of a more equitable and environmentally friendly future for everyone. So, the next time you're faced with a purchasing decision, remember the transformative power you have to make a positive impact on the world.
