We sat just a couple feet away from each other in the Oscar de la Renta offices in 2010, and she had this effortless style that was chic yet approachable, and I basically wanted everything she wore. Cristina Lynch, 28, and I talked work, talked boys, and spent countless late nights working in those 7th Avenue offices. She is now running her own fashion company, which doesn’t surprise me at all! This girl was destined to do something big. Her brand, Mi Golondrina, specializes in working with artisans in Mexico to create the most beautiful hand embroidered luxury goods you’ve ever seen. Cristina is insanely talented, extremely hard working, and ever so stylish. Keep on reading for what inspired her to start her company, what inspires her on a daily basis, what’s next for Mi Golondrina, and much more.
For those who aren’t familiar with Mi Golondrina (although I’m sure the majority are!!), how would you describe your brand?
Mi Golondrina is a Dallas based fashion company that specializes in working with artisans in Mexico to provide hand embroidered luxury goods to our customers.
What inspired you to start Mi Golondrina?
I grew up surrounded by a strong Mexican culture. My mother is from Mexico and she loves it more than anyone I know. She began collecting artisan made pieces since she was 18 and our home was filled with Mexican art. I was also lucky enough to go to Mexico with my mom a few times a year – and we took road trips as a family all over Mexico.
When I lived in New York, I worked for Oscar de la Renta’s sales team and I loved seeing how much time was spent on each garment. All of his pieces are works of art and it reminded me of the artisan world I had grown up with. I wanted to combine the Mexican embroidery the artisans have been doing for generations with high-end fashion in a curated collection. All of our pieces are essentially works of art. Each takes at least one month to make – all by hand.
Did you always know you wanted to be a designer? If not, when did you realize this is what you wanted to do?
I always knew I wanted to start a company. At age 15, I wrote about starting a Mexican lifestyle company in my journals. I wouldn’t call myself a designer because I didn’t go to design school. It has been really amazing though to learn so much about design from such incredible artisan women in Mexico.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? Most rewarding? Most challenging?
I love so many things about my job. The first thing that comes to mind is arriving to work every day and having such an incredible team. When I first started I was on my own and it means the world to me that our team is passionate about what Mi Golondrina represents and we are all excited to help it grow. I also love the opportunity to work with artisan communities in Mexico. Each community has its own unique style that comes from centuries old traditions and it’s so exciting to learn about the history of each piece. Working with artisans is truly a blessing because they are experts on color and beautiful techniques like hand-crochet, lace and embroidery.
Walk us thru a day in your life.
Each day is different and that is another thing I love about my job but I will walk you through one of my favorite days.
- 5:40 AM – Roll out of bed to get to my boxing session
- 7:30 AM – Shower and throw on a Mi Golondrina top with jeans
- 8:00 AM – Pick up coffee and breakfast tacos for our weekly team meeting
- 8:30 AM – Team meeting
- 9 AM – Catch up on projects and follow up with artisans about what we will be receiving this week
- 10 AM to 4 PM – The showroom is open to customers and I love to hear their thoughts on new styles. Our showroom is unique in that we all have things to work on throughout the day but we also help customers shop and find their favorite piece.
- 3 PM – 6 PM Model and help our web manager style so that we can have new product on the website.
What’s your current favorite Mi Golondrina piece and why?
I love them all but I think my current favorite Mi Golondrina piece is our new off the shoulder design. I really love it because it was a “community collaboration”. I was able to combine our modern American trend with lace from a community design that has been present for hundreds of years. It was really special to put a modern twist on something so timeless.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a well-known designer like yourself?
Wow, thank you for referring to us as well known! I think that the advice would be to pick one thing you are most passionate about and focus on doing that one thing really well. Also, always listen to your customers because they will help you grow.
What inspires you?
My family inspires me so much. We are a family of entrepreneurs that love supporting each other.
What motto/quote do you always try to live by?
Don’t quit – just keep moving. My aunt, Jan Barboglio, told me that and it really helps me when things seem difficult.
What’s next for Mi Golondrina?
Wow – so much! I am excited for Mi Golondrina to continue to grow as a highly recognizable lifestyle brand. We’re always working on so many projects, but I’m really excited about our new holiday cocktail napkins and our woven tunics that we’re calling Amor Tejido.
Thanks, Cristina!
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See past interviews here.
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