Meet Esteban Ibarra | Entrepreneur/ Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Esteban Ibarra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Esteban, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
During that time, life was throwing its curveballs, especially with the pandemic. We took a moment to think about how we could lend a hand to artisans facing tough times. The idea was to not only help them but also bring something truly special and valuable to the market.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I mentioned on the previous question, I came to the US in my young 20s to study business in college so my professional life was purposely designed for the business world. Previous to college I always worked sales jobs (selling hotel and travel packages was a great time and pay) so that segment was the path of least resistance for me although I had no relevant experience in the local market so, as I gained experience and dominated the language a bit more effectively, I started working in the construction industry where I was first introduced to “Special Systems” (low voltage technologies), initiating my journey in the technology industry.

After many entry level technical jobs (I was an electrician apprentice for a full year) and fast forwarding two decades, I have been in the industry ever since and until 2021 when the COVD19 hit.

At the time, with a pandemic that seemed to have no end, ETNICO came as a way to help artisans get back to some kind of normalcy. Most countries in Latin America had a very long quarantine. In the case of Argentina there was a very strict quarantine for 18 months forcing people to stay home and therefore not able to earn their living.

With this context Juan Martin, who is my partner (and brother in-law) and has been trading ancient textiles for more than two decades, called me in May 2021 to see if I could help with a small purchase to get some artisans working. My obvious answer was yes but also got me thinking: what’s going to happen next month and the one after that? I thought this could be just the beginning of something greater and an opportunity to give back.

Since then, ETNICO has been an integral part of my professional and personal development. Focused on trading premium, one-of-a-kind textiles while collaborating with local artisans, to promote and preserve artistic traditions.

Connecting talented local artists and their culture with the global community. Always utilizing sustainable and socially responsible practices to support local communities to improve standards of living while preserving grassroot traditions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My list would definitely include:

A tour of the gastronomic offerings around Central Phoenix, including great rooftops and bar hopping
Even if you are not a golfer you should do a day of golf while in Phoenix and perhaps some mid-distance travel to Sedona and Flagstaff .And since we are up north, while not visit the Grand Canyon?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
100%, if anyone has ever accomplished anything is, in big part, due to the opportunities and experiences given by unselfish, gratious and caring mentors. Throughout my life (and carrier) I had many experienced and knowledgeable individuals who provided guidance, support and advice to someone less experineced (and stuburn) such as myself. Maybe too many to single anyone out although some stick to mind like my dear friend Nathan Decker.
As you konw, I migrated to the US some 24 year ago when in my young 20’s. As I was a bit lost with the language and local culture while trying to make something out of my academic studies, Nathan and his wife, Mindy, took me in as one more of their family. At the time, Nathan was a busy technology leader working for a large global corp. but always made time to ckeck in with me and able to make the best out of my time and activities. Amond the many things he has said and done to help me, Nathan always kindly reinforced the importance of learning the language and the culture to futher connect with like minded people and create a supportive and interconnected community of my own. Those experience and learnings are still with me today as I am well passed the point of cultural insertion and, of course, Nathan is still an important part of my life and circle.

Website: ethicotrade.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etnicotrade/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ETNICOTrade/

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/EtnicoTrade/_created/

Image Credits
Photography: Knoodle