We had the good fortune of connecting with Grisel Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grisel, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by life itself. The tides that come and go naturally. Designing for me is really about finding inspiration in every process of life. I design when I am sad, happy, stressed, and calm. Each part is me and each part is beautiful. I find this in every person and that inspires my ideas. I love to observe people when I am out, and when I design I think to myself “how can this piece I am making bring happiness and confidence to the person who wears it? How can it brighten their mood on a cloudy day or through a tough time?”

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
It was not easy to get to where I am now. I could not have done any of this without the help of many beautiful souls. My mom being #1. As the saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child,” FAUNA is one of my children (I have 2 boys) and it truly takes a village to sustain and nurture my brand. I have overcome challenges by knowing when to push and when to breathe and have patience. It’s not easy as I have the tendency to be impulsive and impatient, but it’s a learning process that I am still on. FAUNA is a brand focused on making our world better through slow fashion practices, ethical manufacturing, and seeing the customer as a friend, not just a number. We want people to feel happy and feel like they matter.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom! My mom has been my biggest supporter as a designer. She gave me my first needle and thread, taught me to hand sew at 5 years old, and has been such a blessing to me. Whenever I get stuck on an idea or am drafting a pattern and can’t seem to get to the next step, she is there with her knowledge to guide me.

Website: www.faunabrand.com

Instagram: @fauna_brand

Facebook: www.fb.com/shopfauna

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