Women of Courage: Cristina Lynch

I’m excited to kick off the New Year with my Women of Courage series, featuring Cristina Lynch. As the founder of Mi Golondrina – a clothing label created in 2013 to share the beauty of Mexico with the modern day woman – Cristina partners with artisans to produce authentic and beautiful clothing that spotlight Mexican heritage. Read more about Cristina and her journey below.

Xo, 

For anyone looking for the courage to take their own leap of faith, what’s the one piece of advice you would give?

CL: I love talking to people who are just getting started. It’s so exciting to watch anyone grow a business. I’ve noticed from meeting with people over the years the hardest thing is taking that first leap. I remember when I was getting started, I was so nervous about putting together a business plan when I wasn’t even sure what Mi Golondrina was yet. I decided at some point to not overthink it and just put together what I could and then jumped. I would advise people to not overthink because it can keep you from starting. When you first take that leap you are creating the first iteration of a business that will change many times. Mi Golondrina is very different from what we launched with when I was 24 and it’s growing and changing every day in a beautiful way. 

 

From mom to mom, what’s your best tip for balancing family life with being a successful female entrepreneur?

CL: I have heard many mothers share the fact that the idea of balance isn’t a reality. I tend to agree that focusing on balance can create an unhealthy guilt. My best tip would be to give yourself grace and know that there are some days when you will be more dedicated to your business and other days where you are more dedicated to family and that is OK. 

 

Like me, your brand is based on art that people can wear (the best kind, in my opinion!). What creative process and craftsmanship goes into each Mi Golondrina design?

CL: I am honored to be a part of this and to be associated with your beautiful brand. Your pieces are truly works of art. Mi Golondrina is so special to me because it represents many incredible female artisans in Mexico. The dress that we started with is our Flores Dress from San Antonino in Oaxaca. Each dress takes at least a month to make and the unique embroidery is the equivalent of flags, representing the identity and culture of the women who made them. These dresses have been made for over 200 years and it’s incredible to partner with these women and continue their beautiful traditional designs. The design is pressed in ink onto each fabric and then lies in the sun to dry until it’s ready to embroider. It is then sent to different groups of women who master different parts of the dress. There are the women who do hand crochet, another group that does the smocking and another that does hand embroidery. This is all before the piece is hand washed then sewn and pressed by our team here in Dallas. They are truly works of art and it brings me so much joy to wear them.

Looking back on 2021, what was your proudest Mi Golondrina moment, memory, or achievement?

CL: The pandemic has brought about different experiences and has made it difficult to go to Mexico as often as I would like to. I was finally able to go to Chiapas with my daughter in March before my son was born and was so excited to finally reconnect with the artisans we work with. A lot of times when we meet, we discuss orders and techniques and other things that relate to the business. This time it was important for all of us to reflect on how thankful we are for one another and to continue a business we believe in even when times were hard.
 

What are you most excited about, from either a personal or professional standpoint, in 2022?

CL:  I am so excited about the creative growth I see in the brand. Next year, we’ll have been in business for 10 years and I am very proud of where the line is now and excited to continue to share and partner with artisans in creative ways. And personally, I’m most excited to have two children to bring along with me as I travel in Mexico.
 

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?

CL: I would love to have dinner with Frida Kahlo. I have always admired her art and her strength.

 

What does inner beauty mean to you? 

CL: To me, inner beauty is all encompassing. My mother taught me the most important thing is to have a beautiful heart which truly reflects outward.

 

As my debut design, I love to see how everyone chooses to wear their Roman Token. How do you plan to style yours?

CL: I love the Roman Token and what it represents. My father passed away recently and having something on me that represents strength and courage means so much to me. I can’t wait to dress up with a long dress, but I also love showing it off with a casual white blouse. 

 

If you had to choose a style icon, who would it be, and why?

CL: My mother is fearless when it comes to style. She has fun with clothes and doesn’t take it too seriously. She doesn’t focus on labels but rather mixing and matching things she has collected over the years.

 

How would you describe your personal style in three words?

CL: Feminine and easy-going. I try to also be creative like my mother. 
 

As a jewelry designer, I obviously love to accessorize. Outside of jewelry, what are your favorite accessories? Statement sunnies, a headband, a great handbag…

CL: Belts are my favorite accessory. I’m always scouring The RealReal for a classic belt as it always makes me feel more put together. I also always love to throw on a good scarf in the winter. 

 

What’s your go-to beauty or style item that you can’t live without?

CL: I always feel better when my hair is done, and my curlers make it so easy. I throw them on in the morning while I get my babies ready for the day. 

 

Who are your favorite accounts or brands to follow on social for style inspiration?

CL: I love Lauren Santo Domingo’s Pinterest (@thelsd), Courtney Grow on Instagram (@courtneygrow), Elle Fashion Editor Sarah Zendejas (@sarahzendejas), Noel Pittman Design on Instagram (@noelpittmandesign), Jamie Beck - photographer (@jamiebeck.co)
 
You can find Cristina online at:
https://www.migolondrina.com 
https://www.instagram.com/migolondrina/ 
https://www.instagram.com/cristina_lynch/