Reflecting on my experiences with SIBC would require a very long time, so I will just summarize the highlight of it all: traveling to Oaxaca. As someone whose travel abroad was shattered to the ground 3 consecutive years in a row (thank you, Covid), joining Tin Marin and having the opportunity to go to one of the most beautiful cities I've seen, in one week, was an experience I will remember forever. From the beautiful multicolored walls, the music, eating chapulines (crickets) 4 nights in a row, the sunburns, and the captivating ambiance, this trip taught me more in one week than I had ever expected. Everyday, we woke up at 8am, had breakfast, and visited sites that were well-known around Oaxaca. To name a few: Ruins in Monte Alban, the Temple of Santo Domingo, mezcal factories, Jacobo and Maria Angeles "alebrijes" shop, textile factories, and many, many authentic restaurants.
When deciding to major in International Business, I knew I had to go out and meet new people, interact, integrate, and learn from others who are different from me in personal and professional levels to truly globalize myself… to enjoy the diversity of it all and to truly emerge myself in places I never have been before. This trip was all that times a hundred. I met the nicest people, had the most delicious dinners, and watched and learned about Oaxaca's most sacred and valued crafts and artisanal work that make it the wonderful city it truly is. However -- to be able to meet the people behind the product that we had been working with for months really topped my appreciation for the artisans and the brand I am proud to represent and work with.
To summarize the experience in a way that it deserves: it was truly transforming to be enriched with a culture that has so much history, beauty, and respect, and that continues to use those artisanal skills that were passed down from generation to generation descending from their very own indigenous roots. It was eye opening to see this part of Mexico that was never in my radar, and to learn to appreciate the hard work that goes into each individual craft. Yet, most importantly, to be more conscious of my own consumption of crafted goods from now on, and to understand that it is extremely important to honor the original creators and artists whose lives depend on these type of skills.
Oaxaca was a dream come true, and I am eternally grateful that the SIBC provided me with this opportunity. I graduate knowing that I lived an experience many can only imagine, and that I got to learn about what makes Oaxaca so special.
- Sofia Ford
This fall the USD SIBC was tasked with creating a branding and marketing project for Tin Marin, an artisanal handbag company founded by USD alumna Marina Laparte. This Spring break, we were able to travel to Oaxaca with Marina and be introduced first hand to the gorgeous and fascinating culture that is the brand’s foundation.
Our cultural immersion began with trips to Monte Alban and Teotitlan “Place of the Gods'' where we learned about the Mesoamerican and Zapotec cultures and how they still strongly influence the region. As we are an artisanal handbag company we made special visits to our handbag artisans and to San Martin Tilcajete, home to the exquisite Oaxaca Alebrije wood carvings. Nightly we sampled delicious Oaxacan cuisine, even bravely trying crickets. Enjoying spectacular evenings at roof top restaurants on the main plaza we enjoyed speaking with Marina about Mexican culture, Mexican women’s issues and a way forward based on deep cultural appreciation and society inclusiveness.
The Tin Marin bag is made for the modern woman who is truly connected to the rich artisanal history of Mexico and daily celebrates her people’s cultural riches.
- Charlotte Alexander
For Tin Marin, we got the opportunity to travel to Oaxaca, Mexico, and I had the most amazing time! Having the experience working with a smaller brand that has a global impact has given us the insight into every step in her vision and inspiration. Marina, the founder, took us back to the city where Tin Marin all began. Every spot we went to had purpose to understanding the cultural elements that make the city and her product so great or showed off cool spot for content creation. Our travel helped us to grow as international leaders by showing us a new business culture and the different ways in which brands can be inspired. It also gave us hands on experience with content creation and the laborious process that is capturing lots of footage. We get to see the direct payoff of our work on her socials and website, so it's nice to know that we made important contributions. I am so excited to present our findings to Marina and how our trip helped to shape our final deliverables. The Tin Marin team has grown so much in our ability to produce and understand social media marketing and brand management. SIBC has continuously provided me with great experiences and I am beyond grateful for my impactful travel opportunity!
- Jordan Exline
The Tin Marin project was far outside my comfort zone as a Business Economics and Finance major, but I was instantly drawn to the brand. The vibrant handbags and Marina’s story excited me and made me interested to work on a marketing project for my last year at SIBC. I could not have imagined traveling to Oaxaca Mexico, where Marina first came up with the idea of Tin Marin and ethically sources her woven bags. In Oaxaca, the team got the opportunity to meet local artisans, including the women artisan behind Marina’s bags, and explore the culture and artistry of the city. The city was rich in inspiration and shed light on the branding behind Tin Marin. Moving forward with a social media marketing strategy this spring, it was helpful to position the photos and strategy to align with the branding. In regards to the trip itself, my favorite part was the chapulines (crickets). Oaxaca is known for its amazing food which usually includes chapulines. Getting to experiment with completely different flavors and ways of paring foods, such as chapulines in guacamole was exciting and fun. With the pandemic, I have been unable and uninspired to travel. Going to Oaxaca reinvigorated my love and excitement for travel and international business. It was a perfect capstone to my four years at the University of San Diego and it was all possible through SIBC.
- Sarah Richards
