Today, we’d like to introduce you to Luz Valenzuela.
Hi Luz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Guatemala City, where my parents worked in journalism and teaching.
Despite their professional backgrounds, they always encouraged me to explore my creativity. When I was four years old, I began telling my mother that I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. At the time, my mother thought it was just a passing phase, and I’m not sure where the idea came from either. However, I always enjoyed drawing and creating things.
When I turned thirteen, my mother suggested that if I was serious about pursuing a career in fashion, I should learn how to sew. So, I began taking sewing lessons from a local seamstress named Elsa Aldana, who lived near our house. She became like family to me and instilled in me a passion for the art of making. From then on, I started experimenting with fabrics and shapes to create my clothes, which became the best way to express myself.
After some time, I decided to attend fashion school as it interested me. However, despite my training, I still felt that something was missing. Discovering oneself can be a challenging task, and I found that experimenting with different art forms helped me a lot to find my creative style. One of my biggest sources of inspiration was my godfather, an artist. He taught me not to be afraid of using bold colors and taking risks while creating my art.
After finishing college, I got an opportunity to work at La Casa Cotzal, where I created not only fashion items but also home goods and accessories. Working with Guatemalan artisans, I fell in love with the crafts of my country and realized that while I loved fashion, textiles were my true passion. After some time there, I pursued my passion and enrolled in Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for a master’s degree in Fibers.
This program was a turning point for me and allowed me to truly express myself. It brought out the maximalist in me and helped me learn various techniques like jacquard and master my skills in print and patternmaking. This program helped me realize that I am not just a designer but also a storyteller.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Life is full of challenges, and one of the greatest ones I faced was Covid. The pandemic made it difficult to socialize, which left me feeling very lonely. Graduating with my B.F.A., and stepping into a new world, especially at that moment, was tough.
However, my biggest challenge was moving to the United States. Leaving my family, language, and friends behind, I had to pack everything and start a new life. It was a journey of self-discovery that made me appreciate everything I had and showed me what I am capable of. Difficult times can make us stronger and teach us valuable lessons.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am passionate about colors. I pay a lot of attention to the textures I use. My style is maximalist, and I like to be noticeable by incorporating bright, fun, and bold colors.
While my shapes are slightly more traditional, I believe in finding a balance so that the final result is visually appealing. I am very proud of my attention to detail, and I strive to be a perfectionist in my technical skills while exploring my artistic side.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Always follow your passion, and don’t live the life that others want you to live.
Remember that you are the only person who experiences your life at the end of the day. Persistence is the key to success, so avoid comparing yourself to others. Each journey is unique, and happiness means different things to different people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luzvalenzuela.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.luzvalen/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-luz-valenzuela-307031204/
