We had the good fortune of connecting with Paloma Góngora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paloma, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The biggest risk in life is not risking. Risking is not madness but leaving your comfort zone knowing that you’ll struggle and disappoint some people. I firmly believe that taking risks needs a lot of heart and tons of intelligence. Not every risk should be taken without making a plan and when you believe it’s your time, you should go for it. I consider myself as a stable person but not static and that makes me live in continuous movement. I am a fashion designer who had a successful career in the industry, in Spain. I worked in 3 companies. I escalated positions when I was in need and felt it was the right time before founding my own company of children clothes. Then the 2008’s economic crisis hit us and I decided to close down my company . It’s something that still hurts but I learned to set my emotions apart and move forward. Later on I moved to Miami in 2013, both my husband and I as self-employees  and 3 kids. I can say the first 3 years were a roller coaster but I always loved high-speed. Back then, my husband, a well known composer and producer in Spain, and I were immersed into a beautiful project: a documentary called Unraveling Athena that took us 5 years to see it out there in the screens and digital platforms. It’s not a story tale but an epic story of sacrifice, will and perseverance to reach the no 1. Whilst producing it I was spending my free time recycling and up cycling my furniture which took me to the next level in my career. And then the pandemic hit us all. Turning 50 years old and the pandemic made me rethink about new goals and my next destination and here I am.

When you are ready to move and take a risk, do not expect good advice from people who never make it but from the ones who did it. IT’s the best advice I can give anyone at this point. I hope this helps somebody reading these lines.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

At this point of my career, I enjoy and love what I do. I spend hours researching, experimenting and going back and forth until I get what I envision.  I, quite often,  get a different result by experimenting and this is one of the most powerful tool a creative person can have. Brooklyn Bridge body of work was inspired by my previous project for a greek restaurant where I designed several room dividers made out of rope. Back then I walked in the marinas to learn to use and tie ropes. This simple idea inspired me to work on the bridge cables and how to take advantage of my 3D wood panel. Brooklyn Bridge  took me a year and a half to finish it. I faced so many mistakes and challenges that I overcame by putting together all my sewing, patter-making and painting knowledge and abilities together. What was the best tool I used? Patience and perseverance. I had no time-limitations and this helped a lot. All I learned during the execution of this work , made things easier for the 3 following paintings, Brooklyn Bridge III and Manhattan Bridge nevertheless each one has its challenges.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is a vibrant city where I’d highlight the nature and light. First spot I’d take my friends is The Everglades, the airboat ride is a must. Wynwood District is a colorful place to visit and see all sorts of amazing murals. The way art is shown in the district is unique. Miami Beach for its white sand beach, the Art Deco architecture and different people showing off at their best or their worst. This is a place every European wants to visit without a doubt.

A night in Brickell including dinner and a walk among those massive, beautiful buildings.
Calle 8, Coral Gables and Key Biscayne are always part of the plan. The most loved neighborhood is Coconut Grove, where I live and work. Everyone loves its European taste and charm, beauty, parks, marinas, restaurants, stores, movies and live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Francis Amat

Website: www.palomagongora.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_chameleon

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