There’s something so wonderfully tactile and genuine about wobbly, imperfect forms. I get why we strive for perfection, but perfection feels a bit cold and untouchable, no? I like it better when you can sense the person behind an object. From an off-center shape or the marks of a sanding file or a scratchy finish, it just feels like it has more soul.
Inspiration
Embracing My Roots
Culture, Inspiration, On a Personal NoteCommentIt comes as a surprise to most people when I tell them I’m Puerto Rican. And although Puerto Ricans aren't immigrants (we're the US citizens everyone forgets about) I fell into that stereotypical 2nd generation immigrant phenomenon: wanting to be more like the people I grew up around (white, middle-class suburbanites) than my parents (thick-accented, loud-laughing, unapologetic Puerto Ricans).
Why did it take so long for me to realize that trying to be like everyone else is dumb? In trying to fit in, I lost touch with the incredible foods and flavors distinct to Puerto Rican cuisine, I wore neutral colors and silhouettes because “that’s what chic NYC people do, right?," and I missed so many chances to get to know people better because of how little Spanish I could speak.
"Loves Me, Loves Me Not" Inspiration
Inspiration, Behind the ScenesCommentI have memories of being a little girl, playing outside in the yard and picking the wildflowers growing along the fence around my house. I’d always look for the ones with long, spindly stems that could be wrapped together to make flower crowns for myself and tiny bouquets for my mom.
As I grew up, those flowers suddenly took on new meaning — “Loves me, loves me not, loves me, loves me not…” until you landed on the last petal, which told you if your feelings were reciprocated.
Porto Collection Inspiration
Inspiration, Travel, Behind the ScenesCommentYears ago I traveled to Portugal and Spain, a part of the world I’ve always felt drawn to thanks to my Puerto Rican roots. One of my stops was the Portuguese coastal town of Porto, and some of my favorite memories include a home-cooked meal of seafood caught earlier that day, ancient houses stacked endlessly on top of each along the hillside, and the azulejos —hand-painted blue and white tiles— decorating the facade of every building.
Luna Collection Inspiration
Inspiration, Behind the ScenesCommentI’m obsessed with celestial anything-and-everything. I feel a natural pull towards watching the stars and catching the moon whenever she’s out, in the same way that I’m hypnotized by waves at the beach or a crackling fire.
When I was younger, my love of the moon and stars overlapped perfectly with my interest in Roman and Greek mythology, and when you mixed in my love of stories with female heroes, it’s little surprise that I was obsessed with the TV show “Sailor Moon.”