LITA
Who is Lita? Lita is the abbreviation of “Abuelita”, which is the diminutive of grandmother in Spanish. But for me, Lita is the example of our family. The one who gave birth to my father, my aunts and my uncle. The one who raised in an exemplary way a family of 5 children in Arequipa, Peru. She is the woman who “got the moon” to give her children an excellent education, so that they could emigrate abroad and have a better life.
As an elementary school teacher, she not only educated and instructed her family on all aspects of life, but also hundreds of other Peruvian children and families. She taught them not only patience and tolerance, but also generosity and respect. She welcomed everyone with open arms, because she always saw the best in each person.
In her later years, she created a “Friends Club” to accompany her loved ones, because she wanted to make sure that none of her friends grew old alone. In fact, once a month she invited the whole Club to her house to bring them together and share friendship, memories and joy.
For her times, she was already a super independent, entrepreneur and self-confident woman.
Unfortunately, after a few years of experience, although she loved her job as a teacher, she had to quit because of a sudden illness. To compensate the loss of her income and contribute to the family budget, she demonstrated perseverance, creativity and entrepreneurship, through the following:
- In the sixties, she decided to buy a truck to transport various goods from the interior of the country and sell them in the various cities where she lived.
- In the seventies and eighties, she produced potatoes in Ayapata to sell them in the markets of Arequipa, she also made ice cream that she sold in the stores and streets near her house.
- In the nineties and early 2000s, she had the idea of transforming the back of her house into parking spaces and renting them out on a monthly basis.
In all her successful endeavors, she assembled teams of workers, meticulously training them in their roles while imparting essential life values. Her boundless intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit serve as a lasting example and inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and everyone who had the privilege of working with her.
For her, life was a celebration ! As an example, her birthday was the biggest celebration of the year. She was always the first to dance and sing, her smile shone throughout the room, and she always generated positive energy. In almost everyone’s mind, that’s the image she left.
Coquette as she was, she said that dressing in an elegant way was a matter of respect for others. Dressing to look beautiful, but at the same time to feel comfortable, has always been a must for her ! She knew how to take time for herself, which was really important to her. I remember her in her room, choosing her outfit with great care and consideration.
She used to say that “Every outfit should represent our authentic selves and we shouldn’t add too much, because otherwise it would hide our beauty.” The best dressing advice she shared with me was, “Always wear what makes you happy !”
My dear Lita, as a tribute to you, Munay is an ambitious project inspired by the phenomenal and strong woman you were ! You were an inspiration to everyone. Thank you for your life, which definitely had its impact on this earth, and you will be remembered forever.
I will always remember you, my dear Lita, as well as your cozy big house in Mariano Melgar, where you transformed the lives of so many people.
Stella, founder of Munay
