Meet Luz

We were lucky to catch up with Luz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Luz, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I believe creativity is everywhere. It’s not just about the creative work you do; it also includes how you navigate your day, tackle challenges, and even in simple tasks like planning your meals. Creativity can be found in the simplest aspects of life, but you need to open your eyes to it and practice.

I find it helpful to have at least one project in progress, but no more than three at a time. This approach ensures that I don’t drop or forget about any project. It helps me stay focused without spreading myself too thin. I remember when I was in college, I had a project called “Daily Practice.” It was a straightforward creative exercise to cultivate our skills. Some days I ended up with something amazing, and other days it wasn’t as good, but this consistency made me realize how important it is always to be creating and that having certain rules is crucial.

Creativity is both freedom and structure. If you don’t set certain ground rules, you risk creating too many things, losing track, burning out, and eventually stopping enjoying your work. On the other hand, if the structure is too loose, you might not be as persistent as you should be.

In my practice, I commit to working on a self-directed creative project at least four times a week. Additionally, I make sure to dedicate time every day to enjoy something outside of work or my projects. This means no errands, no work, and no projects. Whether it’s reading a book, watching TV, or going for a walk, this practice helps clear my mind and sparks new ideas.

When you practice, cultivate, and learn new skills, you continuously generate new ideas and develop innovative ways of doing things. One of the best ways I keep my creativity alive is by trying new experiences. This often revolves around food—exploring new restaurants, coffee shops, or anything fresh and exciting in my area. I also encourage research; I strongly believe that after going through the discovery stage, it’s important to develop your ideas. Reflecting on the past can provide insights and inspiration for moving forward into the future.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a Guatemalan designer with a background in fashion and textiles, and my creative journey began at a very young age. I was always fascinated by how fashion could be such a powerful form of self-expression—how something wearable could carry so much meaning, individuality, and yet feel universally understood. Growing up surrounded by art and culture deeply shaped my love for color, texture, and storytelling through materials.

I studied Fashion Design during my undergraduate years and later pursued a Master of Arts in Fibers. That program gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into embroidery, prints, knitting, and jacquard—techniques that allowed me to combine both traditional craft and contemporary design in a more intentional way. During my time back home, I worked closely with artisans, which not only strengthened my technical skills but also gave me a deep appreciation for the handmade process and the cultural value behind it.

Through my designs, I aim to create bold, joyful pieces that make people feel confident and connected. I love experimenting with different techniques and combining them to build something unique, whether that’s a fashion-forward garment or a lifestyle piece. While I appreciate practical design, textiles for fashion remains my true love—it’s where I feel the most alive creatively.

Currently, I’m working as a technical designer, collaborating with fashion design students to help them bring their ideas to life. It’s exciting to be part of their creative process and support the next generation of designers in developing their vision and technical understanding.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding my personal practice—exploring new textile collections and eventually launching my own line that reflects the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary fashion.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, there are three key qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey: passion, curiosity, and collaboration.
The first one—passion—is the foundation of everything. When you truly love what you do, that passion becomes your fuel, especially during the hard moments. Creative paths are not linear, and there will be moments of doubt or difficulty, but passion is what keeps you going. It’s what drives you to keep practicing your craft, to show up even when things feel unclear, and to continue pushing forward with purpose.
The second is curiosity. Being curious means staying open and hungry to learn, no matter where you are in your journey. You have to absorb information like a sponge, ask questions, and explore new areas—even if they feel out of your comfort zone. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to know everything, and that’s okay. The more you learn from others, mentors, peers, even unexpected sources, the more you grow. Being humble and willing to keep learning is what keeps you evolving.
The third is collaboration. Success is rarely a solo journey. Everything meaningful is built with the help of others. Learning to work in teams, to trust, to delegate, and to understand other people’s strengths is essential. It allows you to focus on what you do best while supporting others in what they do best. Collaboration also brings fresh ideas and perspectives that you might not have reached on your own.
My advice to those just starting out is: don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is just another part of learning. Try new things, apply for that competition even if you think you’re not ready, experiment with that bold color palette or new technique. Every time you take a risk, you either succeed or you learn something valuable—and both outcomes will move you forward. The quicker you allow yourself to fail, the quicker you’ll find what works, and the sooner you’ll get closer to your goals.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believe in me—fully and wholeheartedly, even when I was just a kid with a dream. When I was 13, I told my mom I wanted to be a fashion designer. Instead of brushing it off as a phase, she bought me my first sewing machine and enrolled me in sewing classes. That moment shaped everything for me. It wasn’t just about the machine, it was about the message: we believe in you.
My family never underestimated my dreams, no matter how young I was. They treated them with the same seriousness and respect as any adult goal. That kind of support gave me the confidence to keep going, especially during the moments when I doubted myself. I’m extremely grateful to them for giving me the space to grow, create, and believe that my passion could become something real.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.luzvalen/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-luz-valenzuela-307031204/

Image Credits

All the pictures are mine