Katerine Schrupp: "My experience in banking taught me how crucial it is to feel confident in the clothes we wear"

Katerine Schrupp is a passionate and visionary entrepreneur behind M&K Dress for Success, a company that has emerged as a benchmark in the professional fashion sector in Bolivia.

The businesswoman not only leads an innovative firm, but also stands as a true model of empowerment and development in the business field. Her dedication to education, sustainability and female empowerment continues to be a source of inspiration for many women in Bolivia. Without a doubt, M&K will continue to make a difference in the world of professional fashion, while staying true to its values ​​and its mission of empowering every individual who wears its garments. Recently, Katerine had the opportunity to participate in an international mentoring program.

_How has your experience been participating in the Fortune program of the Global Mentoring Association for Women of the US Department of State?

The experience has been truly enriching and transformative. Our company has been operating for 13 years, and during this time, we have been firmly committed to the entrepreneurial spirit. For us, the fundamental pillars are values, knowledge and education. We believe that the key to building a better future lies in our preparation. Thanks to the recommendation of Cainco, the association to which I belong, I had the honor of being selected to be part of a program that brought together 19 women from 19 different countries in the United States. This opportunity allowed us to learn from exceptional female mentors who have navigated crises and created world-renowned empires. They all agreed that education and the pursuit of excellence are essential for the growth of our society.

_How do these mentorships contribute to the empowerment of women in the business field?

Mentoring offers us valuable and necessary tools to contribute to the current business environment. In the past, mentorships were only a luxury for a few, but now we are fortunate to receive the time and attention of people who are willing to invest in our growth. I greatly value this experience as it has transformed my thinking and inspired me to give back to the community. At M&K, we are proud that 50% of our workforce is made up of women, reflecting our commitment to female empowerment and creating an equitable work environment.

_What encouraged you to found the company M&K Dress for Success?

M&K was born 13 years ago from a need that I identified in the market. My career in banking taught me how crucial it is to feel confident in the clothes we wear. In Bolivia, there was no brand that focused on professional fashion, so I decided to create one that inspired security and confidence in people. To date, we have opened three stores and are proud to outfit some of the country’s most prominent companies.

_How do you stay up to date with market trends?

We are firmly committed to sustainability, and that is why we work with recycled textiles. Looking ahead to 2025, we will launch a new sports line using fabrics that are friendly to the environment. Our philosophy is that we should not only be attentive to aesthetic fashion trends, but also those that promote responsible and sustainable practices.

_How has your work experience influenced the design of garments for different age groups?

My experience in banking allowed me to observe and understand the various trends and needs of different segments of the population. It is essential that young people feel confident and empowered through their appearance, and that starts from the clothes they choose for their first job interviews. We want each garment we offer to help them feel safe and prepared to face new challenges.

_Has running influenced your decisions to create ecological clothing?

Without a doubt. Physical activity is essential and represents a constant challenge. It is essential to offer garments that are not only comfortable, but also suitable for our country’s hot climate, without sacrificing sustainability in the process.

_Where are you currently located?

We have moved to the second ring, in the Urban Park area, where we are in full expansion of our offices. Our goal is to offer an even more personalized and quality service to our clients. We want to provide a unique experience and continue betting on the sustained growth of our company.