About the Designer

Hey there! I'm Manuela, but you can call me MANU – the creative powerhouse behind MANU VILLANU. Hailing from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, I'm an artist, industrial designer, and educator with a serious passion for all things creative.

When I'm not caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you'll most likely find me conjuring up something amazing. I guess you could say creativity runs in my blood, thanks to my incredibly talented grandma, Milagros. She taught me how to sew when I was just a little kiddo, and it's a skill that holds a very special place in my heart.

After mastering sewing, I went on to learn a bunch of other skills that eventually paved the way for my professional career and my very own small business. And let me tell you, the journey to MANU VILLANU wasn't exactly a walk in the park. It all started during the wild 2020 lockdown when I'd take my yoga mat, a bottle of wine, and a killer lo-fi beats playlist to the beach, sporting my hand-sewn creations.

But it took me over a year to muster up the courage to bring my concept to life. Finally, in the summer of 2021, I began sharing my creations and taking orders and the official online store, opening its virtual doors in January 2022.

MANU VILLANU is a proud Puerto Rican-owned business. We're passionate about crafting our products right here on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Founded in 2021, our brand designs and creates accessories for all you outdoor enthusiasts who crave versatility, lightness, and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Our slogan and favorite hashtag? "Hecho a MANU" (#hechoaMANU), which cleverly combines my name with the Spanish phrase "Hecho a mano," meaning handmade. We're all about supporting local businesses and conscious consumption, while also inspiring you to spend more time outdoors, explore, and look fabulous doing it.

I drew inspiration from my own lifestyle and the need for accessible, versatile accessories that still let me rock my personal style. That's why I created sets of bucket hats and tote bags – because they check all the boxes for outdoor adventures and travel. And the best part? Every single item is lovingly handmade right here in Puerto Rico. So, if you're a fellow outdoor lover, look no further – MANU VILLANU's got you covered!