About the CEO

Rosa Aurora Oviedo Polanco, CEO and Founder of PóAR, is a visionary entrepreneur and daily New York City commuter determined to transform the way people travel throughout the city.

Her journey began in 2016 when, after years of commuting for her Sales Territory role—which she started in 2013—Rosa realized no existing bag could truly meet her needs. For three years, she tested countless styles, searching for something comfortable, functional, and city-ready. Tired of constantly rummaging through her bag for her metro card, her heels, or even just to buy her morning coffee, she decided it was time to design the perfect commuter bag herself.

Once Rosa created her design, she spent months searching for a manufacturer in New York City. However, the production costs were extremely high, making it difficult for a new entrepreneur to bring her vision to life. Determined not to give up, she expanded her search online, exploring manufacturers in India and China. After extensive research, she made the bold decision to obtain a visa and travel to China. Along the way, she met people who guided her, offered insight, and encouraged her to explore the many possibilities available to her as a first-time entrepreneur. That journey became an important part of the foundation of PóAR.

Driven by her experience navigating “the city that never sleeps,” Rosa created a bag that keeps daily essentials at your fingertips—literally saying goodbye to rummaging.

The PóAR multifunctional handbag is one of her proudest innovations. Specially designed to store heels and crafted with a unique silhouette that transforms into two different shapes, it combines practicality with cutting-edge fashion intelligence. It is truly one of a kind.

Today, every product PóAR releases reflects Rosa’s mission: to make life a little easier, more stylish, and more effortless for travelers and commuters everywhere.

The name PóAR reflects Rosa herself: Proud, Original, Authentic Rosa, as well as her initials, embodying her personal dedication to quality, innovation, and style.

 

Our brand is proud to be certified by the Minority Women Business Enterprise