We were lucky to catch up with Flora Montes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Flora, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? 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.
You know, I live with PTSD as a result of childhood trauma, and for a long time, I didn’t understand how deeply it shaped me. But over time, I realized it also shaped my purpose — it made me more empathetic, more creative, and more determined to build spaces where healing and expression can coexist.
Overcoming mental health challenges has shaped not only who I am, but how I lead and create. There were moments when the weight of responsibility and doubt felt overwhelming, but I learned that healing happens through connection, creativity, and community.
Fashion and journaling became my therapy — a language for emotion, confidence, and transformation. Through Bronx Fashion NYC, I’ve witnessed the power of collective healing, watching people of all ages find their voices and realize they are not alone. Resilience, I’ve learned, isn’t about perfection — it’s about grace. It’s choosing to show up, to create, and to turn adversity into art and healing into hope.
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?
My new venture, Bronx Fashion NYC, is a nonprofit born from something deeply personal — my belief that fashion has the power to heal, empower, and transform lives. What began as my own creative outlet has evolved into something much bigger — a movement that uses fashion to build confidence, express emotion, and bring people together while nurturing mental health and overall wellness.
Through Bronx Fashion NYC, I launched Fashion Redefined, a new initiative that blends fashion, mentorship, and mental wellness to help individuals grow creatively while also healing from within. Through this program, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to watch young people and emerging creatives explore who they are — through design, modeling, and storytelling — while strengthening their mental and emotional wellbeing.
What moves me most is witnessing transformation: that moment when someone finds their voice, reclaims their confidence, and begins to walk boldly in their power. Those moments remind me exactly why I do this work. To me, Bronx Fashion NYC is more than a nonprofit — it’s my love letter to the Bronx. It’s a reflection of resilience, culture, and hope. It’s proof that fashion is more than style; it’s strength, identity, and belonging. It’s where healing meets creativity, and where every story becomes a source of inspiration.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For me, the most important qualities I bring to my work are rooted in empathy, creativity, and community. Each of these has been shaped by my own journey of healing and self-discovery.
Empathy is what grounds me. Living with PTSD and overcoming childhood trauma taught me to see people beyond their circumstances — to listen without judgment and lead with compassion. It reminds me every day that healing begins when people feel seen, valued, and understood.
Creativity, to me, is freedom. It’s how I’ve learned to turn pain into purpose and use fashion as a tool for expression, confidence, and transformation. Through Bronx Fashion NYC and Fashion Redefined, I’ve watched creativity unlock a sense of belonging and pride in others — especially young people who are learning to see their worth through their art.
And community — that’s everything. The Bronx raised me, shaped me, and continues to inspire me. It’s why Bronx Fashion NYC is my love letter to this borough. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about perfection or power; it’s about service. It’s about creating space for others to shine, to heal, and to find their own voice.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaboration is truly at the heart of everything we do. This work was never meant to be done alone — it’s built on the belief that when creativity, compassion, and community come together, real transformation happens. We’re always looking to connect with people and organizations who share that same spirit — those who believe in empowering youth, supporting mental wellness, and using fashion as a force for good. Whether you’re a designer, educator, mentor, or brand with a shared purpose, there’s room for you in this movement. For me, every collaboration is more than a partnership — it’s a chance to build something meaningful, something that uplifts and inspires the next generation. If this mission speaks to you, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out through our website or connect with us on Instagram at @bronxfashion or @floramontes.bxfw. Together, we can turn creativity into healing and purpose into impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.bronxfashionweek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronxfashion/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bronxfashionnyc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/68310210/admin/dashboard/
Image Credits
Photographer Alexis Pesantes Instagram @splitsecondmoment
Bronx Fashion NYC at the Children’s Village Dobbs Ferry
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
