Manny Taveras is a senior paralegal at Guy Carpenter who has also launched his own fashion line called FutureAri. He draws inspiration from his family's background in the fashion industry as well as his diverse experiences working in Latin America. While pursuing an MBA, Taveras teaches himself design and has created over 100 pieces to date. He aims to expand FutureAri and bring his vision of youthful, provocative styles to both men and women around the world. Taveras credits his career at Guy Carpenter for exposing him to different cultures and supporting his passions.

1. Our Voices: Manny Taveras
Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15, is celebrated primarily in the
United States and recognizes the achievements and contributions of citizens with ancestors or origins from Spain,
Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. First observed in 1968 as a week-long recognition
under President Lyndon B. Johnson, it was expanded to a month-long celebration by President Ronald Reagan in
1988. The timing is heavily symbolic for many Hispanic nations. September 15 marks the anniversary of
independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, followed by the celebration of
Mexico’s proclamation of independence from Spain on September 16. Chile and Belize celebrate their independence
on September 18 and 21, respectively. El Día de la Raza, or Columbus Day, is observed throughout the Americas on
or around October 12.
In this special Hispanic Heritage Month edition of #OurVoices, we are sharing the story of
Emmanuel “Manny” Taveras, a Senior Paralegal working in Guy Carpenter’s New York
office. Manny is also an aspiring fashion designer and has been hard at work launching his
own fashion line, FutureAri. In this discussion, Manny shares how he started this second
career, the future of his line and how his two jobs influence each other. Follow #OurVoices
for more colleague stories.
What’s your fashion background?
My background in design is limited to family and friends being
involved in the business. My grandmother, aunts and mother
worked for various design houses, and I had a close friend whose
parents worked at Balenciaga and Chanel. They always encouraged
me to pursue my dreams in design. However, I take pride in being a
renaissance academic (studying as many topics under the sun as
possible) and focus most of my energy on my career at Guy
Carpenter. Late last year, I decided to budget enough time to
develop my designs and launch my company.
How did you start, and where is your business now?
Over the last couple of years I’ve networked with people in the fashion industry and found ways to slowly build
my business. Last year, I found partners to help me develop custom textiles, samples and garments, and began
selling made-to-measure and bespoke shirts.
Inspired by the reaction to FutureAri’s custom fabrics and unique productions, I created more than 50 shirts in
2014. As I continue to design men’s shirts, suits and casual wear, I’ve also been exploring women’s formal and
casual wear, including accessories and shoes. To date, I’ve designed over 110 pieces and made a men’s suit and
an overcoat — and am in the process of making a unisex backpack and women’s handbag sample.
I’m currently designing my first women’s collection, for Spring 2017, and my next men’s collection, for Fall 2016.
Who does FutureAri represent?
FutureAri enables men and women to improve their self-image and
feel better about themselves by finding their own style. The brand
caters to contemporary audiences who take pride in every aspect of
their life, and fuses influences from Paris, New York City and Milan
into youthful, provocative and fun final products. Video showcasing
the second collection can be found here.
Manny Taveras
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2. Has your work at Guy Carpenter inspired you?
While working in the legal department and studying for my MBA,
it’s been challenging to manage my time and stay focused on my
business. However, I’m very inspired by all that I’ve accomplished
and take pride in my work. Another source of motivation is working with so many diverse individuals at Guy
Carpenter, where we’re encouraged to have our own style. Additionally, this year I completed two rotations in
Latin America (Chile and Argentina). Not only was I able to bring back successful business results, but I expanded
my fashion network, and engrained indelible influences in my understanding of art, music, architecture and
fashion.
What are your plans for the future?
Throughout this new endeavor, I’ve been mostly teaching myself.
After completing my MBA in International Business at St. John’s
University this December, I may attend the Fashion Institute of
Technology to take courses in Women’s outerwear technical
design.
Something that makes me very happy now is seeing a customer or
friend wearing one of my shirts or posting a picture online. My
hope is that in the future, my company can develop to the point
where we’re making regular collections for men and women
throughout the world. I love the idea of moving fashion forward
and enabling people to live happier lives.
My aspirations are to develop as a capable designer, artist, writer, musician and walking canvas, and to share my
art for the benefit of all. I also plan on publishing a book of poetry and continuing to work on the score and
libretto for my first opera.
In the interim, you will see me championing the continued success of our MMC Diversity & Inclusion movement
by supporting various committees and events. I enjoy my career at Guy Carpenter, and am proud to have
expanded the role of a Senior Paralegal into an international project management and business-enabling
specialty.
My thanks to Guy Carpenter and MMC for nurturing me and my passions. I strongly urge all our colleagues to
dream big and change the world.
Read more colleague stories in this special Hispanic Heritage Month edition of Our Voices:
Our Voices: Amaly Homer
Find Related Articles in: Diversity & Inclusion
28 September 2015, 8:40 AM
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18 Comments
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3. Taha Ebrahimi Manny is our own personal renaissance man! Proud to be his colleague :)
Monday, September 28, 2015
Yadilsa Fernandez Manny - Love your story!
Monday, September 28, 2015
LaBat, Stanley Congrats Manny! So, when do you sleep?!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Katiuska De Maria Hernandez ¡Enhorabuena Manny!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Jane Fischer And he does it all with such grace and kindness! Manny, thanks for sharing your story--truly inspiring.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Homer, Amaly (New York) Felicidades Manny! Eres dinámico! Deseandote mucho exito en todo lo que haces!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Joy Lyons Very inspirational Manny! I love your story.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Christine Zemola A terrific story -- one that I shall share to my daughter who is a sophomore studing Fashion
Design at SCAD in Savannah. It will be inspiring to her to read how a talented person with the right drive is able to
accomplish one's dream.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Joseph J. Vitale Thanks for sharing Manny! Always follow your dreams!
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Torry-Owens, Gwen Great to see this story again. Keep it up, Manny!
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
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