Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fernanda Alvarez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Fernanda, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
At the age of 36, I experienced my first panic attack, which triggered a long-dormant PTSD. This led to severe nightmares, loss of appetite, and an inability to even walk my dog due to overwhelming fear. I felt as though I was losing my mind and on the brink of death. Unsure of where to turn, I sought help at the emergency room and was diagnosed with severe anxiety. I returned to Mexico after 15 years to start anew, embarking on a career in design, a significant shift from my culinary background. The journey was challenging, but the unwavering support and love from my family, along with meditation, extensive therapy, spiritual retreats, and patience, were instrumental in my healing. I needed to decompress after years of living in survival mode. In my design work, colors became my sanctuary, and collaborating with women empowered me, awakening my feminine energy and allowing me to move away from a predominantly masculine approach to life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a forever restless, creative spirit – dog lover, sneaker collectionist, color enthusiast, and sea admirer.
La Funky came to life because I had this urge to sprinkle a bit of México and a piece of mi corazón into every handmade product.
In December 2020, after being away from my homeland for 8 years – and in the middle of the pandemic – I followed my heart back to México where I belong.
It was time to reconnect with my roots, spend time con la familia, and take a creative detour from my 20-year viaje in the culinary world to pursue my true passion – design mixed with my Mexican heritage.
Heading home triggered a wave of memorias – like when I was just 13 and whipped up my first belt collection from embroidered elastics found in my parents’ basement. That was just the start of my creative journey.
This journey of reinvención has been a beautiful ride. And now, my biggest dream is to spread the positive vibes of La Funky Mexicana all around the world.
Because I want anyone who puts on a piece of La Funky Mexicana to feel the same pride and love that runs through my Mexican veins.
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?
Passion, Courage and Strength to start all over as many times as my life has required me to do so. I know the impact I can make in people´s lives and I have used it as an asset to build projects to help change people´s lives.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
They always told me that the sky is the limit and I´ve always known that I was born to do extraordinary things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.funkymexicana.com
- Instagram: @funkymexicana
- Linkedin: Fernanda Alvarez
Image Credits
@ferafug
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