For a brand like Abatey, a holistic wellness line whose offerings include high-quality essential oils, aromatic candles, diffusers, and custom tea blends, honoring Hispanic heritage is deeply ingrained in its DNA. It’s founder, Mariel Muñiz, grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and cultivated an interest in aromatherapy at a young age. “I inherited it from my mother, who raised me using mainly holistic, alternative medicine and showed me the many virtues of nature’s offerings,” she says.
Now at 49, Muñiz feels a tremendous responsibility to pass on what she’s learned over the years with Abatey—whose name pays homage to the indigenous goddess of fertility and water. Yes, the packaging is beautiful to behold but it’s more than just an Instagram-ready brand. It’s a true labor of heritage and legacy, and each product is created with intention and commitment, as Muñiz blends each item by hand.
Here, the founder, who lives in Miami Beach, Florida, with her husband, three kids, and two dogs, talks to Glamour about her work, her morning routine, how she unwinds, and more.
What’s your typical morning routine?
During the week, I wake up around 6 a.m. to bring my kids to school, and afterward, I enjoy some alone time practicing yoga and meditation, I drink my own blend of Buenos Dias tea and apply the Calma aromatherapy oil to set the tone. On the weekends, my husband and I like to entertain, so I try to get a few more hours of rest.
How do you take your coffee?
Cappuccino with oat milk, no sugar. But I’m also a tea person, hence created my own blends.
Your first childhood dream job was…
Not a career in particular, but I always had the sense that I wanted to hel and serve people, make their days a little better. So I can say that by creating Abatey, I created my dream job.
Your first actual job was…
In retail sales in a local women’s clothing chain on my island.
How do you typically deal with rejection in your field?
At first, it was painful and confusing as my intentions were only to help my clients, but as I grew personally and professionally, I’ve come to understand that as we’re all different, we naturally connect with varying tools at various stages of life.
The best piece of money or career advice you’ve ever gotten is:
Success comes when you connect with yourself, and when you do what you are passionate about, the financial and professional rewards will naturally follow.
Do you feel your gender, race, ethnicity, or sexuality has ever memorably hindered you from a job, an opportunity, or a promotion? How?
Not particularly, but I’ve seen it happening to women over and over. In my particular case, I wish I could communicate in all languages my truth and passion the same way I do in my native language, Spanish.
How do you approach getting dressed for work? In what do you do you feel like your most authentic self?
