We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cristina Lynch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cristina below.
Hi Cristina, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have parents who embody the values of hard work and perseverance. While they didn’t pressure me excessively to achieve top grades during my childhood, they consistently encouraged me to give my best effort in all that I pursued. My mother, an entrepreneur in the fashion world, approaches every project with so much dedication, striving for perfection—something I’ve long admired. Similarly, my father, who ran a Private Equity company, exemplified the balance between professional ambition and prioritizing family. From a young age, I’ve found fulfillment in the working world. I think that’s one of the things that excited me most about New York City. My first job was at Oscar de la Renta, and before that, I had a few internships. Being in my twenties, I loved the challenges of late nights to exceed expectations set by my superiors. Having a boss who held high standards fueled my sense of drive. I think New York is a great place to learn about work ethic at an early age.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started Mi Golondrina 10 years ago mainly because I was inspired by my mother’s Mexican heritage. She had been collecting art from Mexico since she was 18 years old and shared that love with me. I wanted to start a company that showcased the beauty of artisan pieces. The intricacy of embroidery has always captivated me, and I was excited to collaborate with artisans and establish a luxury brand. Many people told me Mi Golondrina was too complicated. There was a lot of questioning if we would be able to scale something entirely made by hand. I think that’s what is so special about this business. It is the best example of very slow fashion, and we have a team here in Dallas that is committed to making it all work. We currently focus on womenswear and have three exciting collaborations with Over The Moon, Little English and Tecovas that are launching this year.
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?
Reflecting on the most impactful aspects of my journey, I credit a significant portion to the invaluable advice I’ve received. One crucial piece came from my Aunt, who, drawing from her own entrepreneurial experience, shared, “Never quit.” She intimately understands the trials that come with running a business and the moments of doubt that can creep in. Yet, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance, reminding me that beyond the tough days lie brighter ones. This aligns with wisdom shared by my brother, who emphasized the profound impact of compounding. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, often overlooking the incremental successes. However, he highlighted that sustained effort over time yields remarkable results. Additionally, I learned the indispensable quality of optimism from my mother. Negativity has no place in the entrepreneurial journey; instead, it’s about facing challenges head-on, viewing them as opportunities for growth. By adopting an optimistic outlook, I remain focused on problem-solving and approaching situations with a constructive mindset.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Among the many who have contributed to the journey of Mi Golondrina, I feel compelled to highlight the significant role played by my brother. Our daily phone conversations are a testament to his unwavering support and collaboration. Not only is he exceptionally bright, but his encouragement is invaluable. Serving as a member of our board of advisors, he offers insightful professional guidance. However, beyond his official role, he remains my older brother and closest confidant, always there to provide steadfast support. On challenging days, I find comfort in knowing that I can rely on him for guidance and encouragement, making our our relationship both personally and professionally invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: MiGolondrina.com
- Instagram: @MiGolondrina
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mi-Golondrina-100064046407369/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mi-golondrina
Image Credits
Vanessa Chavez