Elena’s inspiring story of becoming a fashion designer began when she was 15 and living in small town in Venezuela by handcrafting her own bathing suits. Within three years of sewing her first bathing suit, Elena stablished her first business Puka’s Swimwear in 1995. Her bathing suits were sold around 20 boutiques in two countries.

Elena came to the United States as political refugee in 2003, she lived in Miami for 13 years, where she obtained her fashion and business degrees. She relocated to Americus, Georgia in 2015 and stablished T31 Apparel (Former Tepuy Activewear)

Since her move to America, Elena has transitioned her business from bathing suits to an athleisure line focusing on fostering hope. A portion of every sale is invested in her local community where she offers free sewing lessons for youth.