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

Hi Thelma, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m a proud Guatemalan! I was raised in the city by the most successful and pure hearted role models I could’ve ever asked for, my parents. Thanks to them, I carry a strong worth ethic, compromise, perseverance, and multicultural upbringing. Growing up in a land of strong aesthetic eclecticism, made me develop a tropical and post-Maya style. Hence, my work mixes inherited techniques with innovative processes, to create pieces that represent both my roots, and the modern empowerment of women.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a sustainable, sophisticated fashion house. The fusion between heritage and modernization is what makes my fashion house stand out from others. Our mixture of the finest fabrics with our handwoven textiles surrounds the essence of my brand. I’ve always been a firm believer that Guatemala’s talent is worth traveling the world’s eye, which fuels my desire to work with communities whose ancestry is remarkable, and who are masters as to their heritage. I’m proud to say Thelma Espina has couture, handmade pieces that are like no other, specially within my country, because they’re not only the perfect blend between contemporary innovations and inherited craftsmanship, but carry my country’s legacy and art on their sleeve.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s quite impossible to sum up my story and mention just one person who’s behind my motivation and perseverance. From my family, to people I’ve worked with, they all deserve a shoutout. However, if instructed to choose just one person to dedicate my shoutout to, I would like to honor Michelle Holaender, the founder and CEO of the International Esperanza Project. She’s an admirable fellow Guatemalan who has worked in the nonprofit world for over 20 years. An inspiring, empowering woman who has navigated the Nonprofit Organization Management Industry with love, selflessness and empathy. She’s done everything in her power towards helping Guatemalan communities thrive and flourish. Her devotion towards the world and community, as well as her entrepreneurship skills are truly remarkable, and are virtues I seek to carry with me. Her support for Guatemalan communities is something that’s also behind my motivation, given my business strives to support my country’s ancestry and communities by morphing ancient techniques with modern ones. I strive to present Guatemala’s talent and inheritance to the rest of the world, and aspire towards changing the world’s perspective as to ancestry, which is very glamorous and unique. My support and love towards hand woven Guatemalan products has provided jobs for previously unemployed talents.

Website: thelma-espina.com

Instagram: thelmaespina

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.