Designing a Healthier Path for Latinas in Fashion
Finding our Comunidad for mental health support in the Latina fashion world
May brings with it the freshness of spring. It’s a time of renewal, growth, and brighter days after the colder months. This natural shift in the environment can often have a positive impact on our mood and energy levels, making it a perfect backdrop for conversations about mental well-being and recovery.
In speaking to it from the lens of the fashion industry where I have spent the last twenty-five years of my life and then some, I see the burnout in many designers, production coordinators, buyers and all the people under the umbrella of the fashion industry. While it’s a dynamic engine of creativity and economic opportunity, it presents unique challenges to its professionals. The need for constant innovation, rigorous production schedules, working with teams and factories in many time zones, and the demand for maintaining a competitive edge can create a feeling of constantly being in a pressure cooker.
This kind of “hustle culture” where pushing yourself to the limit was previously seen as a badge of honor. We are now learning that our well-being is just as important as our output. When we’re not feeling our best mentally, it impacts everything – our creativity, our collaborations, and even our overall passion for what we do.
Additionally, the heart of fashion is about creating and selling something visually appealing. This emphasis on aesthetics has led to a culture where physical appearance is highly valued, not only for the models but for even those behind the scenes. There’s an underlying assumption that those working with beauty and style should embody it.
So, while incredibly exciting and creative, the fashion industry can really take a real toll on people’s mental health with anxiety, depression, burnout, body image issues and even eating disorders.
Focusing on mental health awareness is about creating a healthier, more sustainable, and ultimately more creative fashion industry. When we prioritize well-being, we empower individuals to thrive, foster stronger teams, and build a more positive and supportive community for everyone involved. It’s about making sure we’re not just creating beautiful things but also taking care of the beautiful minds behind them.
Here are some of my tips to keep anyone’s mental health (in any career) in check:
- Set boundaries between your work and personal life such as limiting your work hours, saying no to unreasonable demands and dedicate time for rest, family and personal activities.
- Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise into our daily routines can help manage stress and improve our focus. A few minutes nurturing ourselves can make a big impact.
- We are all slaves to our digital devices so it’s a good idea to take a digital detox from our smart phones and iPad’s. Literally, go get a breath of fresh air or take a coffee break in the sun.
- Stop the scrolling for a while. Social media’s curated highlights of people’s lives, not reality trigger us to compare ourselves to others. The less we let comparison, “the thief of joy” take over, the better off we are.
- Lastly, maintaining relationships with friends and family outside of the fashion world keeps me grounded. They remind me that my career is not my identity and provide me with different perspectives on problem solving my career challenges.
Taking care of yourself is key, inside and out. If you ever feel like you need a little extra support, remember your amazing network – your friends, your family, and anyone who lifts you up. If you’re one of the lucky ones who has been through the tough times and figured it out, share your experiences and encourage more people to reach out for help, learn about resources, and feel less alone in their experiences.
Related content:
The Importance of Mental Health for Latina Women
Why Working Out & Health Is Essential for Success in Business & Life
