MOTHER'S DAY 2026: REFLECTIONS FROM ELISA

[El Amor de Mamá] 

As a female-led brand, we’ve always been shaped by the women around us. And motherhood, in all its forms, is such a big part of that.

So for this Mother’s Day, we’re turning the spotlight towards our community, sharing a series of personal reflections on motherhood and the women who raised us, shaped us, and continue to inspire us every day. 

This ‘El Amor de Mamá’, and next up, Elisa Sapalú.

Elisa is at the heart of everything we do. As Operations Manager (and queen of funny memes) in our Guatemala workshop — and daughter of Bernabela, co-founder of Pura Utz — she carries both legacy and leadership into her work every day.

Raised in the indigenous Mayan community of Santiago Atitlán, Elisa has seen firsthand how extraordinary craftsmanship is often undervalued, with many artisans facing low wages and limited opportunities. That’s something she is determined to change.

Through her work, Elisa is not only preserving her culture, she is helping redefine its value. 

This is Elisa’s reflection — on motherhood and flowers.

When you think about motherhood, what comes in mind?

My mother’s unconditional love. It’s the kind of love that feels constant — no matter where I am or what I’m going through.

What did your mom teach you about love or family?

She taught me to keep going after my dreams, to trust myself, and to believe that I’m capable of achieving the things I set my mind to. She also showed me that family is a source of strength — something that pushes you to grow and become better.

Is there a flower that reminds you of her? Why?A special memory of being in nature together?

Roses. She loves making floral arrangements and would often choose roses — they’ve always felt like her flower to me.

Do you have a special memory  of being in nature with your mom?

One of my most special memories with my mom is from when we traveled to Denmark together and walked through a forest. Coming all the way from Guatemala, it felt almost unreal to be there side by side, so far from everything we’ve ever known.

Traveling like that is not something you grow up imagining would be possible — but it’s something me and my mom have dreamed about together. That new worlds can open, and that we can be part of them.

In many ways, that’s also what we’ve built through Pura Utz — a way of connecting worlds, and creating opportunities not just for ourselves, but for so many women around us.

Nature has always been such a big part of our lives back home. We’re surrounded by colors, by flowers and fruits in the markets, and by the volcano watching over us at the workshop. So the Danish forest felt completely different - quiet, calm, and unfamiliar. But that contrast is what made it so special. It was a moment of seeing something new, together.

Thank you for reading with us <33

El Amor de Mamá!