The entrepreneurial landscape is witnessing a remarkable transformation, led by dynamic women who are breaking stereotypes and setting new benchmarks. A visionary leader among them is Sigrid Beckmann, Co/Founder of Kookay ArtCrafts. With over 30 years of experience in design, communications, and entrepreneurship, Sigrid Beckmann is passionate about creating positive social and environmental impact through education, sports and art. At Kóokay, she applies her expertise in graphic design, History of Art, strategy, and marketing to create unique and functional pieces that reflect the magic and culture of Mexico, while empowering and helping local craftspeople, mostly women, to become an independent workforce and build up their communities.

In this interview, Sigrid Beckmann shares valuable insights into her career journey and gives advice to emerging business leaders.

Can you tell us about your career path in design and communications?

I hope my career journey is a testament to my dedication to have diverse experiences. It started by studying Graphic Design and History of Art to later work at the New Zealand Embassy in Mexico and in Editorial Porrua, one of the largest publishing houses in Mexico, where I gained experience in design and communications. I later moved to Miami, where I worked 17 years at McKinsey & Company, the largest and most prestigious Consultant Company in the World. My time at McKinsey, though not in the arts, refined my design abilities and taught me the power of impactful messaging, values, work ethics and teamwork.

Miami's multicultural environment gave me immense new perspectives and that is where I also became a mother, vastly sculpting who I am today. I moved later to Europe, where with extra time and another perspective, decided with Valeria Torres, my lifetime business partner and good friend, to co-found Kookay ArtCrafts. Focusing on sustainability and social responsibility by repurposing discarded furniture and giving it a new life by upholstering it with handmade embroidery from indigenous Mexican tribes, primarily women from poor communities, we created this incredible initiative called Kookay.

In 2017, I launched Indigo Life, a non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation, ocean literacy, awareness, education and sustainability, showcasing our commitment to environmental causes. I firmly believe that it is critical to create awareness of the importance of the Ocean and the impact of pollution and coastal disruptions. Education is key to changing the system and protecting our planet.

In addition to these projects, I am the vice president of IODA, the largest youth sailing class in the world, and Secretary of the Mexican Sailing Federation. Through these roles, I advocate for sustainability and social responsibility through sport and art.

As a mother of three, my dedication to creating a better future drives me and guides me. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of equipping the next generation with tools and opportunities to address pressing environmental issues and social inequality.

I hope my story is not only about entrepreneurship; but rather a narrative of impact, empowerment, and a commitment to leaving a positive mark on the world.

What were some of the key early influences in your life that shaped you as an individual today?

.I am Mexican and a graphic designer. Mexico is such a vibrant, energetic and culturally diverse place, which means you're constantly in contact with totally different cultures in your daily life. From an early age, I was exposed to this rich culture, which definitely shaped me. My incredible grandmother, mother and aunts were a constant source of artistic feed and contact with different forms of expression as they were all gifted artists. Additionally, I had the opportunity to travel and get exposure thanks to my parents. These experiences allowed me to enrich my perspective by seeing other cultures, forms of communication, and artistic expressions totally opening my mind and making me value my own upbringing in Mexico and the whole worldwide diversity at the same time.

"I Hope My Story Is Not Just About Entrepreneurship; I Wish It Also To Be A Narrative Of Impact, Empowerment, And A Commitment To Leaving A Positive Mark On The World"

Furthermore, the more you become aware of the differences and embrace diversity around the world, the more empathetic, open, and kind you become. It makes you realize that we are all connected and are fundamentally the same. Together. One.

As a business leader and a woman, you must have faced various challenges in your current role.

As a business leader, a woman and coming from a developing country, I've certainly encountered challenges, especially navigating economic barriers and gender biases. Overcoming these obstacles involves aligning with like-minded strong women as well as very supportive men who champion equality.

Working with people like Valeria, a strong partner, and with open-minded supportive men, who I have had the opportunity to work with, have allowed much progress and many achievements become a reality. We need more strong, kind men to help us attain this long overdue and urgently needed balance.

Most importantly and personally, my long-life partner and kind husband Enrique, has been a crucial ally in this journey. Walking side by side and empowering me with each step, accomplishment and fall I take. I could not do this alone.

What piece of advice would you like to share with aspiring women leaders or entrepreneurs?

Follow your heart and always be honest with yourself. Don’t just do what’s fashionable or what looks good. Sometimes, you have to fight for things that may not be popular or widely accepted. Trust yourself. Even if it means going against the flow, stand by what you believe in. If you truly feel something needs to be said or done, do it! Even if you are not the most popular person at that time.

Above all, be kind! If everyone was kinder, the world would be a much better place. Kindness and empathy are essential for everything and anything in this World. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Be kind to yourself, others, the planet, the Ocean. It all starts with kindness. The rest just happens on its own.