Adela Artisan Made was established in April 2019 with the purpose of celebrating and honoring Mexican Culture and traditions with everyone and everywhere, starting in Arizona...
As a first-generation Mexican-American, I came to the United States when I was 16, all by myself with determination and with a heart full of dreams, I wanted to be educated, successful, and happy. I studied and worked hard, got scholarships, traveled, and learned so much. As I grew older and wiser, my pride in being Mexicana grew, and so did my nostalgia. Oh, I missed home!
Adela Is a love letter to mi Abuela and mi Mama that with love and compassion taught me to be resourceful and strong. To me, it represents everything that I love about my life in Mexico.Adela gives us the opportunity to learn and appreciate the Mexican culture that for generations has been preserved by families of incredible and talented artisans.
Adela carries a song of Mexico, full of culture, colors, and traditions found in unique pieces handmade with patience, love, and traditional techniques.Adela is an invitation to wear unique pieces to adorn your fierce self, pieces that always have a story behind them.
My name is Alexa G. Rodriguez. I am a designer, entrepreneur, and community builder from Magdalena de Kino, Sonora. I moved to Tucson to continue my education, where I worked, studied, and built the foundation for my future.
I studied Business at the University of Arizona and launched Adela Artisan as a way to connect my culture with my work. Through Adela, I collaborate with artisan families across Mexico to create pieces that honor tradition while supporting sustainable opportunities.In my professional work, I have supported entrepreneurs through access to capital, financial literacy, and community-based programs. My work is driven by purpose, resilience, and a commitment to creating impact through both business and community.
Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber | June 2025
Announces 2025 Class of 40 Under 40 Honorees
TUCSON, AZ – The Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to unveil the 2025 class of 40 Under 40 honorees; an inspiring group of young professionals who exemplify leadership, service, and a deep commitment to community advancement. These 40 individuals have consistently demonstrated a selfless dedication to moving Southern Arizona forward, making them the embodiment of the region's future.
2025 Class of 40 Under 40 Honoree video
Tucson Love Letter | NOV 2025
This local business preserves traditional art and Mexican culture through handcrafted dresses and accessories
All of the creations sold by Adela Artisan are designed by Alexa and handcrafted by artisans from all regions of Mexico. Alexa’s goal is to support and preserve cultural art and traditional techniques.
She learned that the artisans were charging almost nothing for the few items they could sell, especially in a world of corporate manufacturers. She wanted to help families tell their stories through art, but she also wanted them to understand their value.
Governor State of the State Address | Jan 2025
Adela Artisan Made featured in Governor Katie Hobbs State of the State Address
Governor Hobbs delivers State of State speech in Phoenix and Tucson 2025
Video
Congratulations to Alexa Rodriguez of Adela Artisan Made, a CIC and BIPOC Loan Fund recipient, for being featured in Governor Katie Hobbs 2025 State of the State Address!
Governor Hobbs stated, “Arizona’s economy thrives because of small businesses like the one founded by Alexa Rodriguez. After discovering her passion for entrepreneurship, she started an online boutique selling crafts that honor her Mexican heritage. While starting a business was hard, Alexa learned that securing a loan through traditional channels was even harder.
Eller College of Management | Dec 2022
2022 Women’s Tea Awards: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things
Alexa Rodriguez’19 BSBA (Management and Organizations). Raised in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, Rodriguez moved to Tucson at the age of 16 determined to be bold and forge a better future for herself. She founded Adela Artisan—named after her grandmother—with the motivation of sharing and celebrating Mexican culture while supporting indigenous artisans. After graduating from Eller, her passion for helping and supporting the community became her career when she began coaching businesses at the Women’s Business Center. Now, Rodriguez is capital access manager for Kiva and advisory services manager for Growth Partners Arizona. Her role is to bring together community partner organizations to expand the reach of these programs in Southern Arizona.
This is Tucson | April 2020
International Women's Day. Celebrate in Tucson by supporting a newly-opened, woman-owned business
This online store owned by Alexa Rodriguez brings accessories and clothing made by fairly-compensated artisans from Mexico to a broader market.
KOLD News 13 | June 2020
Tucson businesses shift to e-commerce as pandemic takes toll
“It was just very difficult to get my story, the value of my products across social media,” Rodriguez said
She’s also a business coach at the non-profit YWCA in Tucson and is providing free help to business owners as they transition to electronic commerce.
La Estrella de Tucson | Nov 2019
Joven sonorense vende ropa artesanal y apoya a creadores indígenas
Una estudiante de la UA ha comenzado un negocio mientras va a la universidad, vendiendo ropa hecha por artesanos indígenas mexicanos como la que usaba mientras crecía en Magdalena de Kino, Sonora.
De ahora 22 años, Alexa dice que comenzó Adela Artisan Made para celebrar su cultura y llevar a un mercado más amplio accesorios y ropa hechos por artesanos de México, quienes generalmente son bastante mal compensados.
The Daily Wildcat | Nov 2019
UA Eller student brings Mexican culture to life with new business
Alexa Rodriguez is a full-time student at the University of Arizona, has a full-time job and runs her own business; a business making a difference.
In March 2019, Rodriguez started Adela Artisan Made, through which she sells products inspired by traditional Mexican culture, dresses, purses and jewelry, which are handmade by local artisans from Guadalajara, Mexico.
This is Tucson | Oct 2019
Clothing that matters: UA girl boss’ business supports Mexican artisans
The first time Alexa Rodriguez walked down University Boulevard as a 12-year-old, she knew she wanted to attend the University of Arizona.
Rodriguez grew up in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora but moved to Tucson in 2014 to attend Pueblo High School for her senior year knowing only a little English. In December, she'll graduate from the University of Arizona with a degree in business management and minors in global business, Spanish and Portuguese.
