All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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. Its 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, its packaging is beautiful to behold, but it is more than just an Instagram-ready brand. The company is 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 with her husband, three kids, and two dogs, talks to Glamour about her work, her morning routine, how she unwinds, and more.
Glamour: What’s your typical morning routine?
Mariel Muñiz: 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 I’ve 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 help 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 clothes do you feel like your most authentic self?
Anything beachy puts me in an island mood. I love wearing light fabrics like linen and cotton, which bring back memories of my childhood in the Caribbean.
What’s the last great book you read?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a great book that I highly recommend to everyone, but even more I would encourage all to also walk the El Camino de Santiago in Spain to feel and connect deeply with its message and teachings.
What’s your biggest vice?
Shopping. I love finding new and upcoming designers. Plus, I have daughters and they’re into fashion too.
How is your work intertwined with your heritage?
My island is always with me in every way, and I always try to communicate its qualities via my creations.
Explain the moment you realized, “Okay, I might actually have something here,” about your business.
During my very first bazaar in Miami, I was touched by the special connection I felt with my customers and how much they appreciated my products.
Who is Abatey for?
Abatey is for everyone who is open to receiving and improving their well-being. It’s truly genderless and ageless, everyone can really enjoy the benefits.
Your favorite low-stakes treat after a productive day is…
A glass of Champagne or tea—it depends!
Your go-to thank-you gift is:
I like to give the Abatey kit of the Chakra bracelet and custom essential oil blends.
Your email sign off is:
My mantra: “Peace, Light, and Love.”
