We recently connected with Estefania Galvan and have shared our conversation below.
Estefania, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At MŌS, we are more than just a fashion brand – we are a mission-driven company with a purpose that extends far beyond the seams of our garments. Our mission at MŌS is to revolutionize the fashion industry by using it as a powerful platform for self-expression, empowerment, and positive change in the world.
But let me tell you why this mission is so meaningful to me! I believe that each of us was perfectly created for a specific time and place, not by accident, but with a purpose. We are endowed with unique talents, gifts and abilities to serve in our generation.
But we are living in a time marked by insecurities, social pressures, and superficiality, where success is often pursued at the expense of true happiness and even our peace. The fashion industry, in particular, has perpetuated a culture of disposable trends and external validation, neglecting the beauty and richness found within each of us.
Initially, as I became increasingly involved in the industry, my instinct was to flee from its shallow facade. However, I soon realized that true change doesn’t come from avoidance but from engagement. I firmly believe that to alter outcomes, we must take action and do something different. I also believe I was given creativity, “crazy ideas”, ability with my hands and a passion for inspiring and creating positive change. That’s where the genesis of our mission began.
Our brand’s mission, which is also part of our tagline, is rooted in embracing our true colors – who we are at our core, including our diverse backgrounds, bodies, and inherent gifts. We embrace conscious consumption, customization and storytelling within our collections. Beyond creating high quality and beautiful garments, we seek to impart a message – one of acceptance, empowerment, and inner transformation.
That’s why community lies at the heart of everything we do at MŌS. We create spaces and events to utilize our brand and platform as catalysts for change. Our aim is to spark a fashion revolution where individuals seek transformation from the inside out, ultimately impacting entire communities and cultures.
In essence, our mission is not just about selling clothes; it’s about igniting a movement towards authenticity, diversity, and conscious living. And through our commitment to meaningful design, sustainable practices, and community engagement, we strive to leave a lasting legacy of positive change in the fashion industry and beyond.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Estefania, a fashion and textile designer with a passion for creativity and self-expression. My journey into the fashion industry has been one fueled by my Colombian heritage, my love for design and creativity, and my desire to make a positive impact on the world around me. Growing up in Colombia and later studying in the United States has given me a unique perspective on culture and style, which serves as the foundation for my work. I believe that fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a means of communication, empowerment, and transformation.
In June 2021, I took a leap of faith and launched The MŌS brand. My goal was to create a space where fashion meets consciousness, where each garment tells a story and celebrates individuality. Through dedication and hard work, MŌS has grown into a lifestyle, tailoring, and fashion brand that inspires personalized and conscious consumption.
At MŌS, we offer ready-to-wear and tailored exclusive, versatile, and high-quality garments for both men and women. Our pieces are modern, fresh, and designed to let people look good while expressing who they truly are. We believe in the power of storytelling, which is why from collection to events, we tell imaginative, and impactful narratives.
What sets MŌS apart is our commitment to customization, innovation and transformation. As we continue to grow, I am excited to explore the endless possibilities of merging technology with fashion design, creating bridges between the real and digital worlds to enhance the experience for our community. At MŌS, we craft immersive experiences for our community, garments that enhance and embrace our clients’ personalities and share our mission to continue inspiring and sending a meaningful message to the world. From custom-made suits and garments to accessories and fabrics, everything we produce is meaningfully designed. But beyond our products, MŌS is a brand with a purpose. We believe in social responsibility, cultural diversity, and the preservation of fine craftsmanship. We strive to make a difference in the world, one garment at a time, one event at a time, one conversation at a time…
I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but our journey is far from over.
So to all potential clients, collaborators and friends, Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Lets create a look that is completely yours and use fashion as a tool to “embrace your true colors.”
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
At MŌS, we take great pride in our manufacturing process. From the inception of our brand, we’ve been committed to producing high-quality garments that reflect our values of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability. Initially, we started by manufacturing everything in-house. However, as our brand grew and diversified, we recognized the importance of collaborating with experts who could bring specialized skills and knowledge to the table. This led us to establish partnerships with manufacturers and tailors around the world: Europe, Asia, North America and South America.
One thing that has remained in-house since day one is our prints, which are the DNA of the MŌS brand. We design our prints digitally, infusing them with our unique aesthetic and storytelling elements. These designs then undergo a special process to be transferred onto our fabrics, ensuring that each garment is infused with the essence of our brand.
As a fashion designer, my education and experience have equipped me with the skills necessary for manufacturing, including sewing, patternmaking, and textile design. And, From a very young age, my grandma taught me the art of sewing and instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.
But even though I knew how to do enough to get started, I understood that in order to scale and expand into new lines of products and experiences, it’s essential to leverage the expertise of others.
Finding the right vendors to collaborate with has been a journey of trial and error. We’ve learned valuable lessons along the way about the importance of communication, reliability, and alignment of values. Building strong and close relationships with our manufacturing partners has been crucial, as we rely on their expertise to bring our designs to life with the highest level of quality and craftsmanship.
Some of the key lessons we’ve learned about manufacturing a product include the importance of building relationships, being honest and transparent about needs and expectations and always having a clear communication. Each step of the manufacturing process requires meticulous planning and coordination to ensure that our vision is realized in the final product. Additionally, staying adaptable and open to feedback has allowed us to continuously improve and refine our manufacturing processes over time.
Ultimately, our manufacturing journey has been one of growth, collaboration, and innovation. By partnering with experts around the world and staying true to our values, we’ve been able to create garments that not only look good but also embody the spirit of the MŌS brand. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in the years to come.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting has been a recurring theme throughout my life, both personally and professionally. As someone who has pursued multiple career paths, lived in different countries, and navigated the challenges of being an immigrant, I’ve learned to embrace change and uncertainty as opportunities for growth. One of the most significant pivots I’ve experienced recently is my decision to return to my home country of Colombia after living in Chicago for the past 10 years. This transition hasn’t been easy, as it meant for a time, leaving behind the life I had built in the United States, including my business and community. However, I firmly believe that discomfort and change often lead to the most profound opportunities for personal and professional development.
Returning to Colombia has been a homecoming of sorts, reconnecting me with my roots and providing a new perspective on my work and life. One of the exciting projects I’m currently working on is the opening of a physical concept store in the city where I grew up. This store will not only serve as a showcase for MŌS products but also as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.
In addition to the concept store, I’m also in the process of developing a new line for the MŌS brand, and working with amazing local artisans and manufacturers!
While navigating this pivot has presented its challenges, I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Colombia and embark on this new chapter of my journey. I believe that embracing change and stepping outside of our comfort zones is essential for personal and professional growth, and I’m excited to see where this path leads me next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themosbrand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themosbrand?igsh=MWMycGZ2cnJ3dDIzZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tefygalvan9/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estefaniagalvan/
- Twitter: https://x.com/themosbrand?s=21&t=w2DLbExrP9RF6NH03E7QBw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX63HhUbKiunas2YK1FTkPw
Image Credits
Meagan Shuptar Damianus Lamont Aperture Photography Jonathan Castellon