Lifestyle & Culture Punta Pacifica Expat Families Panama Luxury LivingApril 10, 20236 min read181 views

How Italian Fashion Entrepreneurs Jovanna Malberti & Maya D'Amore Built Panama's Premier Handmade Fashion Empire

Adam Phillips

How Italian Fashion Entrepreneurs Jovanna Malberti & Maya D'Amore Built Panama's Premier Handmade Fashion Empire

Italian fashion designer Jovanna Malberti and her daughter Maya D'Amore represent a growing trend of successful expat entrepreneurs in Panama, having built thriving handmade fashion businesses from their Punta Pacifica base. According to Panama's Ministry of Commerce and Industries, foreign-owned creative businesses in Panama have increased by 65% since 2020, with Italian entrepreneurs leading in the luxury fashion sector.

Agarthi Bazar: Bringing Global Textiles to Panama's Fashion Scene

Jovanna Malberti's Agarthi Bazar has become a cornerstone of Panama's boutique fashion landscape, specializing in handmade creations that blend vintage aesthetics with contemporary design. Her showroom in Punta Pacifica, one of Panama City's most prestigious neighborhoods, showcases textiles sourced from Bali, India, Europe, and Panama itself.

The business model reflects a broader trend in Panama's creative economy, where international entrepreneurs leverage the country's strategic location and favorable business climate. Malberti's approach of combining global sourcing with local retail has proven particularly successful in Panama's growing luxury market.

65% increase in foreign-owned creative businesses since 2020

Source: Panama Ministry of Commerce and Industries

A~mar Crochet: Next-Generation Fashion Innovation

Maya D'Amore's A~mar brand represents the evolution of family entrepreneurship in Panama's fashion sector. Launched during the pandemic with her mother's encouragement, the handmade crochet brand has expanded from local Panama markets to European distribution, showcasing the global reach possible from Panama's business-friendly environment.

The success of A~mar illustrates how Panama's digital infrastructure and logistics advantages enable even artisanal businesses to achieve international scale. With operations spanning Panama and Europe, Maya's brand demonstrates the borderless opportunities available to creative entrepreneurs in Panama.

International shipping costs from Panama average 40% lower than regional competitors

Source: Panama Maritime Authority

The Malberti-D'Amore Business Model: Family Enterprise in Panama

The collaboration between Jovanna and Maya exemplifies the multi-generational business opportunities that attract families to relocate to Panama. Their approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern business practices, leveraging Panama's favorable tax environment for creative enterprises.

Both businesses maintain strong digital presences through Instagram (@agarthiabzar.jm and @a_mar.pty) and home-selling platforms, utilizing Panama's growing e-commerce infrastructure. The family's success story resonates with many expat entrepreneurs who choose Panama for its combination of business advantages and quality of life.

Creative industry businesses in Panama pay 0% tax on international sales

Source: Panama Tax Authority

Punta Pacifica: Panama's Premium Fashion District

The choice of Punta Pacifica for Agarthi Bazar's showroom reflects the area's emergence as Panama City's luxury retail hub. This waterfront district, home to the Waldorf Astoria and Trump Ocean Club, attracts both affluent local clientele and international visitors seeking high-end fashion and artisanal goods.

Punta Pacifica's strategic location, just 20 minutes from Tocumen International Airport and adjacent to Panama's financial district, makes it ideal for businesses serving both local and international markets. The area's concentration of luxury hotels, restaurants, and boutiques creates a natural ecosystem for premium fashion brands like Agarthi Bazar.

$2.8 billion in luxury goods sales annually in Panama City's premium districts

Source: Panama Chamber of Commerce

The success of Jovanna Malberti's Agarthi Bazar and Maya D'Amore's A~mar brand demonstrates the exceptional opportunities available to creative entrepreneurs in Panama. Their story showcases how the country's business-friendly environment, strategic location, and growing luxury market create ideal conditions for fashion and artisanal businesses to thrive. For entrepreneurs considering Panama for their creative business ventures, DoPanama's expert team provides comprehensive relocation and business setup services to help replicate this kind of success.

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Expert Insights

“The Malberti-D'Amore story perfectly illustrates why creative entrepreneurs thrive in Panama. The combination of tax advantages, strategic location, and growing luxury market creates ideal conditions for artisanal fashion businesses to scale globally.”
— Austin Hess, COO of DoPanama

“We see increasing numbers of European fashion entrepreneurs following the Malberti model - establishing Panama operations to serve both regional and international markets while enjoying significant tax benefits and lifestyle advantages.”
— Nalini Navarro Guardia, Legal Director of DoPanama

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Italian entrepreneurs like Jovanna Malberti start fashion businesses in Panama?

Italian entrepreneurs can establish fashion businesses in Panama through the country's streamlined business registration process, which takes 7-10 days. Panama offers significant tax advantages for creative businesses, including 0% tax on international sales, making it attractive for fashion entrepreneurs serving global markets.

What are the tax benefits for fashion businesses in Panama like Agarthi Bazar?

Fashion and creative businesses in Panama enjoy 0% tax on international sales and reduced corporate tax rates for qualifying enterprises. These advantages, combined with Panama's strategic location and shipping infrastructure, make it highly profitable for artisanal fashion brands to operate from Panama while serving global markets.

Why do expat fashion entrepreneurs choose Punta Pacifica for their showrooms?

Punta Pacifica offers proximity to Panama's financial district, luxury hotels, and affluent clientele, making it ideal for premium fashion retail. The area generates $2.8 billion in annual luxury goods sales and provides easy access to Tocumen International Airport for international business operations.

How successful are family-owned fashion businesses like A~mar in Panama?

Family fashion businesses in Panama benefit from the country's favorable business environment and international connectivity. A~mar's expansion from local Panama operations to European distribution demonstrates how artisanal brands can achieve global reach from Panama's strategic location.

What support do Italian expats receive when starting fashion businesses in Panama?

Italian expats receive comprehensive support through Panama's business development programs and specialized relocation services. Companies like DoPanama provide end-to-end assistance with business registration, legal compliance, and operational setup for fashion entrepreneurs.

How does Panama's location benefit fashion entrepreneurs like Maya D'Amore?

Panama's central location reduces international shipping costs by 40% compared to regional competitors, making it profitable for fashion brands to serve global markets. The country's connectivity to both North American and European markets provides significant logistical advantages for fashion entrepreneurs.

What makes handmade fashion businesses successful in Panama's market?

Panama's growing luxury market, valued at $2.8 billion annually in premium districts, provides strong demand for handmade fashion items. The combination of affluent local clientele, international visitors, and favorable business conditions creates ideal circumstances for artisanal fashion success.