Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Montano

Hi Tania, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I’ve always believed that creativity doesn’t have a specific starting point—it’s simply been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. Whether it was drawing or crafting, I was constantly making things. And naturally, I always tried to turn my passion into something that could earn a little extra, because why not do what I love while earning something on the side?
This creative drive led me to study textile design. While studying, I started my own handbag line, offering customizable pieces. I loved collaborating with customers to create bags that reflected their personal needs and tastes—picking out colors, discussing designs, and incorporating these into my catalog offering. That experience of blending creativity with commerce gave me a deep sense of fulfillment and a bit of extra income during college.
After graduating, I landed my first job and dove headfirst into the fashion industry, learning the ins and outs of sales, partnerships, and business operations. Working for a small fashion house meant wearing many hats, and I soaked up every bit of knowledge I could.
Fast forward a few years: I’m in NYC, working for a global fashion company, surrounded by products I love, but something felt off. I realized that the creator within me had been quiet for too long. To reconnect with that part of myself, I began designing patterns inspired by the intricate textures of flowers. What started as a personal creative outlet led me back to my roots in Mexico, where I’ve always admired the traditional textiles and techniques passed down through generations
That reconnection is what sparked the creation of TUUKUL, a home decor brand focused on handmade decorative pillows. Each design combines my art with the traditional techniques and vision of the female artisan groups we work with. This journey has been an empowering and transformative experience. TUUKUL is not just a brand; it’s a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and collaboration.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Absolutely not! Every step forward seems to bring a new challenge. While I’m deeply grateful for the journey, there are definitely moments where things get overwhelming, and you have to take a step back to approach everything with strategy, objectivity, and assertiveness.
One of my biggest personal struggles has been learning not to take feedback too personally, especially when it’s very critical. Since every design starts in my hands, it’s hard not to feel deeply connected to each piece—it’s a little part of myself. So when feedback isn’t what I hoped for or is too tough, it can sting. The challenge has been to detach, listen to what customers are saying, and use that feedback constructively while staying true to my vision.
Another ongoing challenge has been the conversation around pricing. Many consumers expect deals, discounts, or the ability to negotiate, especially when dealing with small brands—something they wouldn’t do with larger companies. There’s often a lack of transparency in fashion/home decor in how products are priced, so many people don’t realize what they’re actually paying for. Having worked in the fashion industry for over a decade, I have full understand of this, but most consumers don’t see that a lot of what they pay for in a well-known brand isn’t going into the product itself, but into marketing, shipping, admin and overhead.
As a small business focused on fair trade, sustainable production, and traditional techniques, I’ve had to explain why our prices reflect the true cost of making something by hand, in small batches, and with respect for the artisans’ craft. It can be disheartening at times, but I believe in the importance of educating customers about the value of what they’re buying and the longevity of the item they are purchasing. This transparency and passion for what I do is what keeps me moving forward, even when the road gets tough.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TUUKUL?

I am the Founder and Head Designer at TUUKUL, a home decor brand that bridges the gap between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. We specialize in handmade decorative pillows that feature my original botanical designs and are brought to life by skilled artisans utilizing traditional weaving and embroidery techniques from Mexico. What sets us apart is our commitment to fair trade, slow and intentional production and honoring age-old methods while creating pieces that look modern, unique and timeless.

Our mission goes beyond just creating beautiful home decor. We want to empower the groups of artisans we collaborate with and ourselves. These talented women are building building their own group businesses and preserving techniques that are in danger of disappearing as mass/chain production keep growing and consumers continue to look for lower prices. By collaborating with them, we’re able to offer unique products that tell a story not only in the design but in the making.

What I’m most proud of is the deep relationships we’ve built with our artisan partners. This isn’t just a transactional process—it’s a collaborative journey where we support one another. Each pillow is a result of mutual respect, shared creativity, and a love for the craft. We’re not just creating products; we’re building something that has lasting value for both the artisans and the customers. One of my goals is to make our customers feel connected to the work, knowing that not only is it a beautiful piece, but that it carries the spirit of collaboration. We make limited number of pillows following a “slow fashion” vision.

If there’s one thing I’d love readers to know, it’s that TUUKUL is a brand built on purpose. We are here to celebrate traditional craft, support artisan communities, and offer home decor that feels personal, meaningful, and truly one of a kind.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

To be honest, I never considered myself a risk-taker. But becoming an entrepreneur and building something from the ground up definitely forces you into that role. Risk comes in many forms, and for me, it’s about stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the impending possibility of failure.

I don’t come from a family of entrepreneurs or business owners—far from it. The advice I received was simple: “Just try.” I heard things like, “Your designs are beautiful,” and “Of course people will buy them,” but no one mentioned how this journey is really about getting incredibly uncomfortable and failing repeatedly.

What I’ve learned is that failure, discomfort, and unease are actually powerful forces. They build resilience and help you understand who you are and what you truly want. My biggest risk has been opening myself up to reframe these concepts—not as something to avoid, but as an essential part of growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tuukulnyc.com
• Instagram: @tuukulnyc
• Facebook: @tuukulnyc
• Other: Pinterest – @tuukulnyc

Image Credits

Jamie Walsh and Tania Montano