Meet Johana Hernandez

We recently connected with Johana Hernandez and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Johana with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic as the designer of GLAUDI comes from watching my parents work tirelessly in sewing factories when I was a child. Despite the long hours and low pay, they truly loved what they did and remained incredibly grateful for their work. To make ends meet, they took on small part-time jobs to cover our mortgage and family expenses. What stood out most to me was their unwavering positivity—they approached every challenge with a smile. Their dedication and gratitude inspired me deeply and continue to fuel my passion and commitment today.

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?
As Johana Hernandez, designer of GLAUDI, I’m passionate about creating designs that empower women and celebrate all body types. GLAUDI specializes in bridal gowns, couture eveningwear, quinceañera dresses, and tailored suits for both men and women. Our designs are made to fit every curve beautifully, ensuring every client feels stunning and confident on their special day.

What makes GLAUDI special is our focus on inclusivity, craftsmanship, and heart. My inspiration comes from my parents, who were talented dressmakers with humble beginnings. Their dedication to quality and their gratitude for every opportunity continue to influence how I approach my work. Every gown we create is more than a dress—it’s a dream brought to life, made with love and attention to detail.

This year has been incredibly exciting for GLAUDI. We’re expanding with a nationwide wholesale collection that will make our designs more accessible to brides everywhere. We’ve also embraced sustainability by creating earrings from leftover wedding dress fabric, which provides work opportunities for single mothers. Additionally, we continue our tradition of giving back, offering gowns to low-income families for bridal, quinceañera, and prom events.

Looking ahead, we’re focusing on growing the brand while staying true to our mission: making dream gowns a reality for everyone. Whether it’s through designing for major fashion weeks or supporting underserved communities, GLAUDI is about spreading joy, beauty, and empowerment.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey as the designer of GLAUDI, there are four qualities that stand out as the most impactful: my faith in God, resilience, creativity, and a strong work ethic.

My faith in God is number one—it has been my anchor through every high and low. It has helped me to never lose hope, even when challenges seemed overwhelming, and has reminded me to use my God-given talents to make a difference. Knowing that my work is part of a greater purpose inspires me to keep going and to trust that every step is leading to something meaningful.

Resilience has been vital because building a brand, especially as a Latina woman in the fashion industry, comes with its challenges. There were moments of doubt and setbacks, but staying focused on my vision and pushing through those tough times made all the difference.

Creativity is the heart of what I do. It’s not just about designing beautiful gowns but also finding innovative ways to grow the business, like creating a sustainable jewelry line from leftover fabric. Thinking outside the box keeps the brand fresh and relevant.

My work ethic was shaped early on by watching my parents work tirelessly in sewing factories. They taught me to embrace hard work with gratitude and a positive attitude, and that mindset has fueled every step of my career.

For anyone early in their journey, I’d advise strengthening your faith and trusting in your unique purpose. Develop resilience by learning to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Cultivate creativity by staying curious and open to new ideas—your unique perspective is your superpower. And, most importantly, approach everything with dedication and gratitude. Hard work, a positive mindset, and faith can open doors you never imagined possible.

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 taking a loan out of their home mortgage to pay for my fashion education at FIDM. It was an incredible sacrifice, and they believed in me so deeply that they were willing to put everything on the line for my dreams. Their faith and support motivated me to work even harder, and it paid off—right in my first quarter at FIDM, I started working as a paid fashion designer at just 19 years old.

I was my parents’ best investment, and their belief in me has been the driving force behind everything I’ve accomplished. Their sacrifice taught me the importance of resilience, gratitude, and the power of having people who believe in you. I carry that lesson with me every day, and it inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to honor the foundation they built for me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photo by Dylan Perlot Photos from Brides Mil Besos, Kathy and GLAUDI campaign shoot.

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