Today, we’d like to introduce you to Fernanda Alvarez.
Hi Fernanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I come from Mexico City. When I was 13 or 14, I made my first pieces. Designing was in my veins, but I decided not to continue because my mom was also a designer. I didn’t want to compete with her. I wanted to find my own voice.
All of these years, I stayed on the back burner. I stayed in my shell because I was afraid of being me. Fast forward to adulthood, I moved to Miami con mi perrita Simona, where I was a plant-based chef. But being nostalgic for my country, I started dressing her with colorful collars. That’s how I created my own product line for dogs on the side.
While it did bring me some happiness, I was still feeling lost and alone – which led to my mental health crisis. Because of my health, I came back to México to be closer to my family. During that time, it felt like the world had closed in on me. I was having panic attacks. I thought I was going to die. I didn’t see the next day coming.
I was 35. I thought, “What am I going to do? Who am I going to be?” I didn’t believe in myself at all. The only way through was through. Here, my path led me to two options: Stay in my bed and wait for the storm to pass. Do something that brings me focus and joy.
Ya sabes – I switched my career in order to survive. But choosing survival brought me so much more. It brought my creativity back. It brought me La Funky Mexicana. That’s why La Funky Mexicana is so close to my corazón. I wanted to create something that makes la gente feel brave, powerful, and full of love.
La Funky Mexicana is here to show that you can do hard things. You can be yourself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, it hasn’t been easy, especially because my workshop and the artisan community I work with are located in Mexico City, and working with handmade pieces can take longer to be ready, and people are not happy with the idea of waiting for something as everything is immediate nowadays.
Also, my products are made for a very specific niche, which happens to be adventurous, unique, and risk-taker – basically for all the funky souls out there who dare to be unique and differentiate themselves from everyone else.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I am a talented and skilled creative who’s happiest when pioneering in any area I feel competent and passionate about. I’m a forever restless, creative spirit – dog lover, sneaker collectionist, color enthusiast, and sea admirer.
La Funky came to life because I had this urge to sprinkle a bit of México and a piece of mi corazón into every handmade product. In December 2020, after being away from my homeland for eight years – and in the middle of the pandemic – I followed my heart back to México, where I belong.
It was time to reconnect with my roots, spend time con la familia, and take a creative detour from my 20-year viaje in the culinary world to pursue my true passion – design mixed with my Mexican heritage.
Heading home triggered a wave of memories – like when I was just 13 and whipped up my first belt collection from embroidered elastics found in my parents’ basement. That was just the start of my creative journey. This journey of reinvención has been a beautiful ride.
Now, my biggest dream is to spread the positive vibes of La Funky Mexicana all around the world because I want anyone who puts on a piece of La Funky Mexicana to feel the same pride and love that runs through my Mexican veins.
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find inspiration, ask questions, read, find a community, explore ideas, and most importantly, don’t be afraid of putting yourself out there.
My mom has been my greatest role model. She is also a designer and an entrepreneur, or, as we would say, a powerful mama.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.funkymexicana.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lafunkymexicana
Image Credits
@ferafugphoto
