Spotlight On Local: Madre Hija Design
Why did you develop the brand you did? What does it mean to you and what do you think it means to your clients?
I developed Madre Hija Design as a way for my mother and I to join talents and make beautiful things. Therefore, my brand was, in the beginning, very much a personal and family endeavor making it all the more meaningful. For me, Madre Hija Design is about making a statement, it’s that little boost or sparkle we all need in our lives to stand out, to be unique and bold, embracing life with confidence. I think the MHD client is precisely that, a strong, sexy women that is not afraid to make a statement.
What is the favorite piece you make or sell? Why does it stand out?
To be sincere, I don’t have a favorite one in particular, I actually joke around with my clients and say they [the pieces] are all my daughters, each one has a name because the time and dedication that is involved in the of creation of each piece really makes me attached to all of them. They are a true labor of love. But if I had to choose, I would say the Raquel earring (below) has been my best seller so far. I love this earring because of its asymmetrical design and color combination, which make it feel modern, and gives it a more contemporary appeal to what is considered a traditional indigenous woven jewelry art form.
How has being an entrepreneur affected the way you view the world?
Being an entrepreneur makes you realize the hard way that not every goal or intention you so desperately want to make possible is going to work. It makes you realize that there cannot only be one game plan. You have to have all the game plans to make that business stand out there. Work hard and believe in yourself, no matter what, no matter how many times you fail, if you want to keep going, do it. Go. Take what’s yours.
Does being a business owner impact your personal life? How?
Everyday, I literally work from home and its a vice versa of roles, mom to designer and designer to mom. All day, everyday.
What do you hope will change about your business in five years?
I truly hope that in five years I can manufacture from my country, while maintaining a main design studio here in Austin TX. I am Puerto Rican, and for me, it is very important to be able to contribute back to the island, and possibly train marginalized women with sewing and beading skills that will help them have independence, purpose and contribute to the well being of their families.
What do you hope will be the same about your business in five years?
I hope that I feel the same excitement in creation. I am only on my third capsule and feel so much joy creating each piece. I hope that remains the same. I have a feeling it will.
How do you try to support Austin women?
I absolutely love how Austin embraces artists. With so many art fairs and markets around the city, I love taking my kids to markets and buying local.
What about your brand or yourself do you most associate with Austin? How does it reflect Austin?
Austin is a city that is calm, mellow, kinda laid back and also has a party-side, and with all of this, I can relate. All of these aspects of our personalities make us who we are and affect the way we create. I love the way Austin has embraces its “weirdness,” and at the same time, preserved its elegance in a harmonious way. My pieces are delicate yet bold, a play between glamrock and princess.
If you were allowed to only eat one food every day for the rest of your life, but it provided you all the nutrition you needed, what would that food be and what do you love about it?
Plaintains! Tostones(flattened and fried) are my fave, mainly used as a side for a meal. They’re very versatile and you can cook them in many forms. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all in different ways! I can eat this everyday of my life.
