Today we’d like to introduce you to Alda Escobar.
Alda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I became interested in design in childhood. I took an early interest in art and design while studying Fine Arts at California Polytechnic University. With an interest in designing and going back to my roots, I decided to create my own fashion brand of boots and accessories with an approach to a human-centered design practice that places emphasis on sustainable design. What inspired me to pursue this path was the opportunity to create an impact on social responsibility in Guatemala.
We want consumers to transform their purchase behavior by making a positive difference for the people involved in the production of our clothing and accessories. Our philosophy is to support artisans towards economic independence by providing and creating social and economic opportunities through trading partnership with jobs and a Fair Trade model of business based on values and a sustainable model. To create one-of-a-kind quality designs using traditional Mayan techniques and preserve each design, fabric, and production as an art form by keeping alive artisan traditions.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenges of running a business aren’t always smooth- I learn something new every day. It takes hard work, consistency, and passion. One of the greatest challenges these days are that most artisans markets are experiencing the issue that fast-fashion is re-producing their designs. Guatemalan artisans are fighting to protect the rights of woven textile designs. Their iconic textiles represent the preservation of heritage and protection of their culture. As a brand, we must be concerned with issues that involve humanitarian rights and preserve each design, fabric, and production as an art form. We should also help our manufacturers and artisans preserve their traditional techniques and textile artwork. In addition, providing textile design innovations and quality management on the production side. Other challenges include competing with other brands that reflect the same philosophy and message. What helps me stay focused and inspired is the passion for my work and the responsibility of creating an opportunity to change in Guatemala. My advice for other women is to be passionate about your philosophy and mission! Create your own voice and message, and share it! Be creative and constantly innovate. Listen to your customers, care about people, the environment, and create an impact. Don’t focus on mistakes, learn from them! Stay active and be inspired. Celebrate traditional techniques and design with purpose. Make a difference with your brand and never, ever compromise on quality, function, and innovation. Be an influencer and educator especially when it comes to supporting humanitarian rights and appeals.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
Art Director, Consultant and Sustainable Innovation Designer based in California. With expertise in the fields of corporate identity and print. I have over 10 years of industry experience in advertising, visual communication, and graphic design. I’m ambitious and passionate about everything creative, especially sustainability design, branding, innovation, and digital marketing. Over the years, I have acquired valuable experience in the design industry from small businesses to top Fortune 500 companies.
After spending valuable experience in the sustainable packaging industry, I started working as a freelancer and consultant for several clients, agencies, and studios. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a Minor in Marketing Management from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California. After my professional experience in graphic design, I specialized in digital marketing in Madrid, Spain at ESIC Business and Marketing School.
Building upon my culture and global experiences, I founded Madre Luna not only to help create an impact of social responsibility in fashion culture. But also to create an opportunity of change for artisans and small communities in Guatemala by empowering artisan women, creating job opportunities and preserving cultural history. I wanted to give back to my community by creating a social brand. We want our customers not only to make a statement but also to be conscious of their purchase.
We are proud to empower women artisans by maintaining their heritage in their traditional techniques and process. By bringing work opportunities to small towns and villages, we help create job opportunities for families and communities in rural Guatemala. We are proud to partner with cooperative groups, small family businesses, and local artisans, providing fair wages and ethical manufacturing.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My advice is to start with your closest friends who have an understanding of you professionally and personally. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask your colleagues recommendations of former coworkers or accomplished friends who may be a great fit for you (as a mentor). I don’t have a mentor, the closest to a mentor are my parents and close friends in my network that work in similar industries that can give me advice and feedback.
What has work for me is relationships, this will also probably grow organically—when you’re first starting out, it may be your favorite professor from college, or, maybe a coworker, former colleague or boss. You can definitely have more than one of these types of mentors.
Pricing:
- Huarache Sandals from $75.00
- Backpacks $119.99
- Clutches and Bags from $55.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madre-luna.com
- Email: madreluna.atelier@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madre.luna.atelier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madrelunaatelier/
Image Credit:
Images by Sara Porta Photography
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