INTERVIEW WITH CRISTINA LYNCH, FOUNDER OF MI GOLONDRINA

After working for many years in the New York fashion industry, Cristina Lynch shifted her focus to slow, handcrafted fashion. Starting with a bedding line and just a few dresses, Mi Golondrina - inspired by the beauty of her mother's native Mexico -blossomed into a multicategory brand.  Now in it's eighth year, Mi Golondrina’s beautiful collections preserve the traditions of hand-embroidery and empower artisans throughout Mexico. 

Read on to learn more about the inspired professional and personal journey of Cristina Lynch.

Tell us about your brand and career trajectory. 

I founded Mi Golondrina in 2013 after working in fashion in New York. I was inspired to share the beauty of Mexico with the world and felt there was a void in the market for a brand that shared the beauty of Mexican, artisan-made goods with the modern woman. I actually started the brand with a bedding line with the help of Peacock Alley; and at the launch party, I had a few dresses I was selling in addition to the bedding, and the dresses flew off the racks. It was so exciting to see then that I was onto something.

Since then, Mi Golondrina has grown tremendously and has been the biggest blessing. We are in our eighth year now, and I’m still constantly learning from our team, customers and community.

What inspires you? Many of Pam’s designs are inspired by childhood travel memories and time with her family, do you have a go-to source of inspiration? 

Mexico is a natural source of inspiration. My mother was born and raised in Mexico, so I am constantly drawing inspiration from the sights and colors of Mexico. She’s a collector of Mexican art, so my parents’ home is filled with beautiful paintings and prints by many different artists, and simply walking through my parents home is a quiet, easy way for me to get reconnected with Mexico and the beauty it offers. In COVID, I am obviously not traveling as much as I generally would, but I still find time to go to Oaxaca, where most of our artisan partners work, and every time I visit, I come away with a new energy and new dedication to showcase the beauty of traditional hand embroidery.

Do you have any treasured travel destinations from your childhood? Where did you go and what was your favorite memory?

I feel so fortunate to have travelled quite a bit when I was younger. I believe my father viewed travel as a form of education and made it a priority. There is nothing I love more than discovering new cultures! We started with road trips all over the United States visiting every national park. We then moved the road trips to discover more of Mexico outside of where my mother grew up and later began to go overseas. I have so many favorite memories but if I were to pick one to share today it would be when my dad and I went to New York together to visit universities. We went to so many fun restaurants and saw lots of fun shows. This is when I knew how much I loved the adventure of  New York City and that going to school there would be right for me.  

Can you share with us one of your family travel traditions?  What puts you at ease and ready to relax?

I don’t know if this is necessarily a tradition but my family loves long dinners and great conversation more than anything. We are such foodies, and I think we all just love spending time together. My father always convinces us to have dessert and coffee at the end of a meal. 

We also love music and dancing. Music has always been the best way for me to relax. I always enjoy discovering new bands, and my husband and I love using our record player in the kitchen when we cook.

We have to ask: what’s in your bag?  Tell us about your essentials in your Pamela Munson bag. 

I’m in love with the woven detail of this bag! It’s the perfect size to keep essentials for my daughter - diapers, wipes, cream, her bottle and a snack. I don’t normally carry too many things around for myself but I love Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream when my lips are chapped, blush always makes me look more awake and lip2cheek by RMS (Illusive) is so easy. I also love having Jo Malone perfume samples when I need to freshen up.

You have beautiful style and a great eye.  What’s your favorite handbag from our Collection?

Oh my goodness, thank you so much! There are so many but if I had to pick one, The Lady Bag is so elegant in an understated way - just love it. Congratulations on a fabulous collection. 

Straw isn’t solely reserved for summer or beach getaways – how do you style your Pamela Munson handbag for every day?

I love straw because I think it goes with everything. It’s the perfect neutral that goes so well with flowy dresses and even jeans and a crisp white t-shirt. I'm enjoying toting mine around town.