Alumna and jewelry designer Paulina Otero (‘20 Fiber) has received a $10,000 grant from the Folklore Grant Program. The Folklore Grant Program is an economic support initiative created to empower qualified minority-owned businesses. Its mission is to promote growth and long-term sustainability by addressing the systemic barriers that have historically limited access to capital in underserved communities.

The program is now in its fourth consecutive year, operating as a collaborative effort between Fresco Marketing, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Wells Fargo. This year, a total of $100,000 in grants were awarded, with ten individual grants of $10,000 each going to selected businesses that demonstrate potential, purpose, and community impact.

Paulina Otero is a jewelry designer and founder of her accessories brand, where she specializes in creating bold, colorful statement pieces that feel like wearable art, many of which are handcrafted and designed in Kansas City. Her brand is known for carefully crafted, lightweight accessories made from high-quality materials like acrylic, natural stones, silver, brass, and gold-plated components, often released in limited runs to keep collections fresh and exciting. Otero draws inspiration from experimentation with materials, texture and shape as well as patterns found in tiles, architecture and textiles, and she has steadily grown her business since launching it after college, continually introducing new collections and workshops.

Learn more about Paulina Otero HERE and learn more about the Folklore Grant Program HERE.