Summer is all about feeling light, comfortable, and confident, especially when you’re outdoors at a carne asada, a fútbol watch party, or a summer wedding. But styling artisan-made clothing in warmer weather can feel challenging.
Many artisan textiles are crafted with tighter weaves and detailed embroidery, which can limit breathability in extreme heat. As a result, these beautiful pieces often get pushed aside until cooler months.
But they don’t have to be.
With the right styling approach, you can wear artisan-made clothing all summer long while staying cool, comfortable, and rooted in your culture.
Below are 5 colorful summer outfit ideas that highlight breathable styling, intentional layering, and effortless ways to wear statement pieces. Each look uses just 2–3 pieces, making them easy to recreate and style on repeat.
A classic combination for a reason. A t-shirt and denim outfit is one of the easiest and most comfortable summer looks.
To elevate this staple, focus on a statement t-shirt with cultural or artisan details. For example, a shirt featuring hand-embroidered Salvadoran motifs or Peruvian textile trims instantly transforms a simple outfit into something meaningful and expressive.
These details create conversation starters that reflect heritage, craftsmanship, and identity.
Where to wear it:
Running errands, summer travel, beach days, or park outings
Styling tip:
Complete the look with a bucket hat for sun protection and casual summer styling.
If you’re looking for a bold summer outfit idea, a corset paired with neutral bottoms is a powerful styling option.
Pair our structured corset with black, khaki, navy, or white pants or skirts for a balanced, elevated silhouette. While this look leans more structured than relaxed, it creates a strong visual impact for social settings.
Where to wear it:
Brunch, birthday celebrations, rooftop gatherings, or evening social events
A cropped top and high-low skirt outfit is one of the most iconic summer styling combinations for standout looks.
The high-low silhouette naturally creates movement and airflow, making it ideal for warm weather. The high-waisted fit also allows you to pair it with cropped tops comfortably without feeling overexposed.
This outfit is perfect for showcasing bold prints, color, and artisan craftsmanship in a way that feels intentional and expressive.
Where to wear it:
Date nights, creative events, gallery openings, or cultural gatherings
This layered summer outfit is perfect for mixing patterns and color while staying balanced.
The key to styling patterns is staying within a cohesive color palette. In this case, tones of red, white, and blue help unify different textures, even when the stripes themselves vary.
The colorful shorts act as the statement base, while the shawl adds dimension and versatility. If you remove the shawl, the outfit still feels complete and intentional.
Where to wear it:
Casual indoor gatherings, dinners, or events with air conditioning
This outfit combines simplicity with texture and color.
A neutral romper creates a breathable base layer, while a structured vest adds visual interest and personality. Because this vest is made from acrylic wool, it works best as a removable layer throughout the day.
This makes the outfit adaptable, perfect for transitioning from daytime warmth to cooler evenings.
To complete the look, add bold earrings or statement accessories so the outfit still feels finished even without the vest.
Where to wear it:
Evening dinners, summer nights out, or social events
Wearing artisan-made clothing in the summer isn’t about choosing between comfort and culture; it’s about styling intentionally.
By focusing on breathable pairings, lightweight fabrics, and versatile statement pieces, you can keep your wardrobe expressive and comfortable all season long.
These summer outfit ideas featuring artisan clothing are designed to help you celebrate your roots while feeling confident, cool, and fully yourself.
-Caro Arias
P.S. Join the Descalza email community for more colorful outfit ideas, behind-the-scenes stories with our artisans, and first access to new collections.
When Tonya emailed us to design and create her Easter dress, we felt honored to be chosen as her designers. The more she shared with us what this dress meant for her, the more she confirmed our belief that clothing can hold memories, our identity, and it can help heal us. Read below Tonya's story and her journey in reconnecting with her Salvadoran roots, honoring her family’s sacrifices, and creating a future where her children can proudly embrace every part of who they are.
THE QUESTIONS I COULD NEVER ANSWER
For the past fifteen years, I have been trying to piece together a long-lost puzzle, a mystery, so to speak, that was only spoken of sparsely under the breath of my family, and I couldn’t see the bigger picture, nor was anyone going to paint the picture for me.
Why is it that I don’t know Spanish, yet when I take Spanish class in high school, my accent is on point! Why is it that when my high school Spanish teacher introduces to the class Juan Luis Guerra, I know every word to the song, yet I have no idea who this artist is or the song? Why do I LOVE tropical fruit and cashews?
I am extremely artistically inclined, just like my mother, and I have an obsession with colors, which some would say is too much. I was such a picky eater as a kid, but I LOVE fried bananas with crema and frijoles, and yet I was only “introduced” to it when I was ten?
There was a small part of me that I just didn’t understand, and I never knew why I could never fit in! I always thought it was just because, when we moved to Arizona from Pennsylvania when I was 9, I was too country to be “white” and I was too white to understand the Mexican kids.
A DRESS THAT MEANT MORE THAN FASHION
My story is unique, like the custom [Descalza] dress that I had made for me this Easter. I am very excited to share a little piece of my story and my dress with you.
My name is Tonya Ramos, and I am married to my amazing husband, Juan Ramos, and we have seven children (yes, seven). My husband is Mexican, and I am half Salvadoran and half American.
This year is such a special year for me. This Easter, both my eldest daughter and my youngest son received a sacrament during the Easter vigil. My eldest daughter received her first communion, and my son was baptized before the bishop of Arizona at our local parish with my amazing cousin and her fiancé as his Godparents.
This was such a special occasion for me that I decided to do something special, something as a mom of seven would never do, treat myself, and splurge.
I had been eyeballing a specific clothing line called Descalza for some time and decided to reach out to see if they could make me a special custom dress for this very special occasion! And boy did they deliver!
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CHAPTER
You see, this Easter is the beginning of a new chapter in my life, a new chapter of healing, of reconnecting with my roots, of seeing the truth of my past.
Like I said before, my history is unique, and I cannot hide the fact that I am extremely fortunate.
When my father met my mother, he was a young, strong US Marine stationed in El Salvador right after the civil war in ‘92. My mother was this bombshell beauty that, honestly, my dad couldn’t deny! And after 8 months of dating, I came about! Of course, me being a happy accident, my mother could have done what any independent, educated, classy woman would have done and made a choice to choose her life over mine, but instead, she did the honorable thing to sacrifice her future to be a mother. My father could have chosen to live his life without being involved in mine, like any young, strong, handsome man with a bright future ahead of him could have chosen to do, but instead, he did the honorable thing and decided to be a father. From that extraordinary decision from both of them, lucky me was born!
My mother flew to the United States, got married to my father, and had me right there in the small town of Coudersport, PA. A world FAR from my mother's home country, family, and friends, and for the longest time, that was the end of the story for me.
I am an American, with the name of Tonya Russell, who was born in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. You can’t get any more American than that! Right?…
Wrong.
FINDING BELONGING THROUGH MY COUSINS AND TIOS
We moved to Arizona when I was nine, and it wasn’t until my amazing (and honestly iconic) tios moved to the United States from El Salvador and brought over my fabulous cousin with them, Fabiola, that I felt this level of comfort and security.
Man, when we were together, we were a force of nature! Inseparable! To this day, she is still my best friend/sister/cousin/comadre! And it was through them that more pieces of my story came together. Stories of my uncle bringing me to his work! He was the sports news broadcaster, and my tia was the main news anchorwoman, very high class, let me reiterate, iconic. Not only are they my tios, but they are also my godparents from baptism.
THE HOMELAND I HAD FORGOTTEN
I was baptized in El Salvador! And THAT'S where the missing piece was. Right after I was born, my mother decided to move back to El Salvador, and she took me with her! We lived there for two to three years. I spoke Spanish, and I ate a free donut every morning from Mr. Donut because the ladies thought I was the cutest baby in the world. I said my prayers, in Spanish, with my mom every night, which to this day I remember and is one of my first memories.
My first word was chocolaté because I loved the little chocolate soccer ball candies. I had a little baby blanket that I absolutely loved and could not sleep without. I loved cashews because my abuelo had a cashew tree in his backyard.
All my life, these chords of memories would play in the back of my head, memories from a forgotten homeland, and I just thought I was having an identity crisis!
HOW A TRIP TO MEXICO RECONNECTED ME TO EL SALVADOR
It wasn’t until my husband and I decided to go to Cancun, Mexico, for our honeymoon that truly made this blind woman see. I was so jealous of my husband’s Mexican heritage, of the beauty of Mexico, and its history, that I decided to investigate my Salvadoran side.
It was then that I realized I had so much unresolved trauma from moving BACK to the United States when I was 3 that I had normalized a level of discomfort and insecurity of going from one culture to another.
From a tropical paradise to the beautiful forest, a culture shock at the age of 3. I forgot Spanish, learned to speak with a twang, forgot everything about El Salvador, replaced my blanket with a Barney stuffed animal, and never went back until I was fifteen, with my mom, after my parents' divorce.
It was then that I saw the beautiful colors of La Palma, Fernando Llort, the beach, the hammocks, and that I recognized another side of myself! And even then, unappreciative American 15-year-old Tonya didn't understand the importance of that trip as I do now.
LEANING ON FAITH FOR ANSWERS
There was a time when I was angry. I was angry with how my life played out when I was so young, with my parents trying to make the best decision with what they had.
But I’m Catholic. And like any Catholic with big life problems, I ran to Jesus and asked why? Why did you allow all this to happen? And through a lot of prayer, I realized just how lucky I was.
Before Bukele, El Salvador was a dangerous place to live, to the point where my mom doesn’t like to talk about the traumas she went through, the trauma my family went through. Not only that, I moved back to the United States so that my family could be reunited, both my mother and my father together.
EMBRACING MY PENNSYLVANIA SIDE
I got to live with my father, my actual biological father, and a great father at that! My dad was amazing. He still is to this day. I could not have asked for a better dad; his hometown? It's straight out of a Disney movie. Talk about Bambi on steroids!
I couldn’t have asked for a better place to have been raised, with my family together in a small house in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. I’m appreciative that I met my dad‘s side of the family, my family, and his culture.
Even though it was hard to understand my mom and the culture of El Salvador, because it’s just so foreign to them, they still accepted me and loved me as their own, and that’s something that I will always be grateful for.
A TACO, A PUPUSA, AND A BLACKBERRY PIE
So now, as a mom of seven kids, a wife to an amazing husband, I realized I need to make a new future for both myself and my children. A future where I will reintroduce this beautiful and amazing culture of all three places of origin, Mexico, El Salvador, and the United States.
I want my children to know how to speak Spanish and to eat a taco al pastor, un pupusa con queso y loroco, and, for dessert, a homemade blackberry pie. I want my children to visit their family in El Salvador, to visit their family in Mexico, and to visit their family in Pennsylvania.
A DRESS THAT WOULD MAKE MY ANCESTORS PROUD
That is why for me this Easter was so special and important. I had to get a dress made specifically by the hands of a salvadoreña, made from fabric from El Salvador.
I wanted something authentic, something natural, resourced responsibly. Something that, if my ancestors looked down, they would cry with happiness to see a great, great grandchild of theirs proud of her heritage, proud of where she came from, how far she's come, a shining star in the sea of lost shadows.
By the end of the Easter vigil, my tios, my mom, my dad, my children, my husband, my family, were so proud of the dress that I was wearing, to be a part of this beautiful journey I’m going through.
I am so excited to see what the future has in store for me, and this will not be the last you hear of me. I will be returning to the Descalza for more…
-Tonya Ramos
Love stories about culture, creativity, and belonging? Join the Descalza community for behind-the-scenes, styling inspiration, and first access to new collections.
I used to think sustainability was only for the wealthy.
Growing up, it felt like a lifestyle reserved for a certain income bracket. Anything labeled “organic,” “non-GMO,” or made with natural fibers was always out of reach. Those choices lived in a world I couldn’t access, so I internalized that sustainability wasn’t meant for me.
It was something other people could afford.
BUILDING DESCALZA WITHOUT DESPERDICIANDO
But then I started Descalza.
A brand rooted in preserving our cultural identity while honoring the planet, something the fashion industry isn’t known for. But the way Descalza came to life wasn’t driven by a polished sustainability strategy. It was shaped by what I had.
And who I had.
Instead of manufacturers, I had my mom’s friends, skilled seamstresses whose hands understood fabrics that factories rejected. Materials that were labeled “too delicate” suddenly had a place, because to them, those fabrics felt like home. They knew how to care for them, how to transform them, how to honor them.
So we worked in small batches. Not because it was trendy, but because it was possible.
I leaned into made-to-measure pieces, not because they were positioned as luxury, but because I was afraid of getting it wrong. I didn’t want someone to invest in something that didn’t fit. I didn’t want to waste the fabric our artisans worked hard on. So everything was created one piece at a time.
Every cut, every stitch, every press carried a person in mind.
And the remnants? They mattered too.
Because if they didn’t, I could already hear my mom’s voice reminding me that I was desperdiciando, wasting something that still had life left in it.
SUSTAINABILITY WAS NEVER OUT OF OUR REACH
Without realizing it, Descalza became a slow fashion brand.
Bespoke. Handmade. Thoughtful. Intentional.
All the words I once associated with a lifestyle I thought I couldn’t afford.
But the truth is, it was never out of reach.
It was already mine.
I didn’t grow up with “sustainable brands,” but I grew up with the values they represented. I learned how to make things last out of necessity. I learned to be resourceful because there was no other option. We moved slowly because mistakes were expensive. We relied on the community because, in many ways, we had no choice but to build our own support systems. We were immigrants. In the eyes of society, we didn't exist; therefore, we weren't allowed to ask for help.
RECLAIMING SPACES IN OUR OWN VOICE
My intention was never to build a “sustainable” brand.
I wanted to build something that looked like me. Something that honored where I came from.
And in doing that, I realized something powerful:
We’ve been sustainable long before it became a trend.
It just wasn’t labeled that way.
It just didn’t look like what we were taught sustainability should look like. What I thought was never meant for me ended up encompassing the values my Salvadoran mother taught me.
That realization changed everything.
Because it made me question who gets to define value. Who gets to name movements? Who gets to be seen as “conscious,” “ethical,” or “intentional”?
And more importantly, it reminded me that we have to tell our own stories.
We are not outside of sustainability.
We are the foundation of it.
Our traditions, our resourcefulness, our care for what we have, those are not limitations. They are wisdom.
So no, sustainability isn’t something we have to aspire to.
It’s something we’ve been practicing all along.
And now, we get to reclaim it on our own terms, in our own voice, and in a way that honors both where we come from and where we’re going. We are sustainable. We are immigrants, and both can coincide.
-Caro Arias
If you're interested in the clothing pieces we make, shop our current collection here and join our email community for first access to our newest products.
I know what you’re thinking: adding color is just a personal preference. Some of us gravitate toward brighter hues and bold patterns, while others feel more comfortable in neutrals. And while that may be true for some, for many immigrants, especially those from marginalized communities, color carries a much deeper meaning.
As an immigrant from El Salvador, color is inseparable from my cultural identity.
Bright colors take me back to el mercado, the blankets at my aunt’s house, the hammocks swaying under the warm sun, the vegetation, the tablecloths on dining tables, and the vibrant homes tucked into small towns. Color is memory. Color is home.
Yet in much of the Western world, wearing bright colors or patterns is often labeled as unprofessional. It’s seen as doing “too much.” And slowly, subtly, we’re taught to tone it down.
THE PRESSURE TO "TONE IT DOWN"
For the longest time, I wouldn’t wear red. I felt like it would make me look “too Latina.” With my curly hair and brown skin, I already stood out. Adding red, especially red lipstick, felt like adding fire to the flame.
Red was just one of many things I avoided. There were colors, patterns, and even pieces of jewelry I kept tucked away. Because many of us were told, from a very young age, to tone it down.
Portate bien y no llames la atención, behave well and don’t call attention to yourself.
Looking back, I know our parents said this to protect us. They understood the fragility of our circumstances. They knew that at any moment, everything could be taken away.
And then we entered the workforce, where the message continued, but for different reasons. Wear black, navy, beige, or gray. Keep it neutral. Don’t be the “ethnic” one. If you want to succeed, blend in. Follow the rules. Don’t draw attention.
ASSIMILATION VS EXPRESSION
But what happens when you reach a point in your life where you no longer want to tone it down?
When you realize that hiding in neutrals has kept you from showing up fully? When you understand that your cultural identity isn’t something to minimize, but something that deserves to be seen?
It’s in these moments of self-discovery that we realize something important: we weren’t toning ourselves down to avoid attention. We were doing it to make others feel more comfortable.
THE QUIET POWER OF GETTING DRESSED
When this realization hits, fashion stops being superficial. Wearing color becomes an act of resistance. A form of empowerment. A quiet declaration of justice.
The moment you begin to incorporate color into your wardrobe, some people in your spaces may feel uncomfortable.
Let them.
Your presence shouldn’t be questioned. It should be celebrated.
Wearing color signals that you’re claiming the space you deserve and that you no longer need permission to do so.
AT DESCALZA, COLOR IS INTENTIONAL
After years of dressing neutrally, adding color can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t require an entirely new wardrobe.
Start small; a headband, a bracelet, a pop of color layered into your everyday look. Then build toward a shawl or cardigan that transforms even the simplest outfit.
This shift isn’t really about the clothes. It’s about confidence.
Because here’s the truth: you will stand out. Heads will turn. But now, you have a story to tell. And when someone compliments your outfit, you’re opening the door to a conversation about culture, identity, and belonging.
The colors you wear are a superpower. They remind you and others that you come from a community that has endured, adapted, and still stands proud.
COLOR AS A LOVE LETTER TO WHERE YOU COME FROM
In a world that constantly asks us to assimilate, color is a reminder that we don’t need to disappear to belong.
The patterns we’re drawn to, the hues that feel like home, the textures that carry memory, they are all love letters to where we come from. They're colorful reminders of the people who came before us and the versions of ourselves who were once told to stay small.
Wearing color is not about being an influencer or a trend setter. It’s about honoring your story, taking up space, and choosing visibility on your own terms.
At Descalza, every piece is designed with this in mind, not just as clothing, but as a reminder:
You don’t need to tone it down.
You were never meant to.
-Caro Arias
Love stories about culture, creativity, and belonging? Join the Descalza community for behind-the-scenes, styling inspiration, and first access to new collections.
Last year, we had the honor of meeting Gladys Mazariego when she was looking for a custom piece to wear for her Nawat teacher's wedding. What started as an email thread has flourished into two people from across the country, inspiring one another. We've been honored to share her story with you and her experience at LA Fashion Week.
Some dresses turn heads. Others stop time. Mine does both—because it is not just a dress, it is a declaration. Handcrafted with heritage, designed with intention, it carries the weight of history while dazzling with the glamour of high fashion.
A DRESS THAT CARRIES THE SOUL OF THE NAHUA PEOPLE OF EL SALVADOR
The story began when I needed something worthy of my Nawat teacher’s wedding. Nothing I found felt right. I wasn’t looking for just fabric; I was searching for meaning. That’s when I discovered Descalza! clothing designs with artistry that went beyond trends. Together, we created a dress with the sharp, structured silhouettes I love, details sculpted in fabric that carries the soul of the Nahua people of El Salvador. Every thread was chosen with purpose. Every fold carried the language of ancestry.
When I first imagined the perfect dress, the feeling reminded me of a Nawat expression: Tzunhejekat. It means “head in the clouds” or, in Spanish, cabeza de viento. That was exactly how I felt—dreaming, hoping, searching for something that seemed impossible to find. And yet, the dream became reality in this one-of-a-kind creation.
When I wore it to the wedding, the dress was more than elegance—it was reverence. Guests noticed its beauty, yes, but they also recognized the story woven into it. It wasn’t only about how the fabric moved, but about how it spoke—of culture, gratitude, and belonging. In that moment, I wasn’t simply a guest; I was part of something larger, wrapped in artistry that honored both the occasion and the people who shaped me.
A TRADITION REIMAGINED FOR THE RUNWAY
And now, this dress stepped onto a stage where fashion met destiny: LA Fashion Week, October 17th, 2025. Under the brilliance of runway lights, I couldn't wait for the world to see a creation unlike any other. This was not just a look—it was couture charged with history. It was El Salvador walking proudly into the future. It was tradition reimagined for the runway, proof that heritage and innovation are not opposites but dance partners.
The dress is beautiful, yes—but its beauty is fierce, unapologetic, unforgettable. It’s the kind of garment that refuses to be background; it insists on being the story. And that’s exactly what it is: a living story stitched in cloth, glowing with memory, radiant with meaning, and ready to command the eyes of an audience who thinks they’ve already seen it all.
For me, it will always be more than fabric and thread. It is respect made radiant. Culture made couture. And when I stepped into the lights at LA Fashion Week, I wasn't just showing a dress—I was unveiling a legacy.
-Gladys Mazariego
Love stories about culture, creativity, and belonging? Join the Descalza community for behind-the-scenes, styling inspiration, and first access to new collections.
I don’t remember if it was a post on social media or a podcast, but I once heard that most of the clothes we’ve ever owned still exist somewhere on this planet.
As a 33-year-old, realizing that the clothes I wore when I was 6 are probably sitting in a landfill really struck me. I started thinking about every piece I’ve ever owned, and then about all the clothing humanity has ever produced.
It’s all still here. We just don’t see it.
THE GROWING MOUNTAIN OF TEXTILE WASTE
According to the EPA, the United States generates over 17 million tons of textile waste per year. Globally, that number climbs to 92 million tons annually. These figures feel unimaginable, but they’re real. The more unsettling part is that we’re producing more clothing than ever before; up to 100 billion garments globally each year. And many of these garments are poorly made and packed with plastic.
In short, we’re buying more, wearing it less, and then “donating” or tossing it, fueling the growing mountain of textile waste.
SUSTAINABLE ANSWERS THAT AREN'T SUSTAINABLE...YET
So now that I’ve spiked your anxiety, what do we do? How do we break the cycle?
I know that for many of us, shopping exclusively from sustainable brands like Descalza, Eileen Fisher, or Farm Rio isn’t always in the budget, or maybe they just don’t fit our style.
And thrifting, while wonderful, isn’t a perfect solution either. Thrift stores vary depending on where you live. They may not carry your size, their inventory often requires patience to sort through, and the condition of items isn’t always ideal.
REIMAGINING TEXTILES: A GROWING EFFORT
One effort we’ve embraced at Descalza is repurposing textiles. Other brands, such as Patagonia’s Worn Wear and Eileen Fisher’s Renew, are also leading the way in reimagining their textiles.
For me, this work is deeply personal. Growing up as an immigrant in the States, resourcefulness was second nature in my family. My mom turned old t-shirts into rags, butter containers into salsa containers, and plastic bags into trash bags. As a kid, I thought it was because we didn’t have much economically. But as I got older, I realized it was bigger than that; it was cultural.
LEARNING FROM OUR ANCESTORS
When I interned with Maya Traditions in Panajachel, Guatemala (the summer after my freshman year), I saw this resourcefulness on another level. Mayan women would repurpose worn huipiles into bags, transform plastic bags into “yarn” for weaving, and turn leftover threads from the loom into vibrant wall tapestries.
What I learned that summer is this: giving something “old” a new purpose is part of our heritage.
It makes sense, doesn’t it?
Our ancestors lived in close relationship with Madre Tierra. They understood the value of every resource.
That’s why reimagining textiles at Descalza feels so natural; it’s not just about fashion; it’s about continuing the legacy of our ancestors.
START WITH INTENTION
So, what do we do in the face of all this waste? The answer isn't perfection. Instead, it's about intention. Start small.
Each of these steps may feel small, but together they create real change. Finding longevity in our clothes isn't just about creating a new style; it’s about reweaving our relationship with the earth, with our ancestors, and with future generations.
Remember that we’ve done this before. Our ancestors knew how to make things last, how to transform “waste” into beauty. By choosing to reimagine our textiles, we’re not only honoring them, but we’re also proving that fashion can be both soulful and sustainable.
-Caro Arias
P.S. If you need assistance in finding new outfits with your existing closet, we offer personal styling sessions. Just send us a message to learn more. And join our email community so you don’t miss out on our newest collection of reimagined pieces.
We met Bitia through Instagram and immediately bonded over our love for El Salvador. We love how she's always pushing our creative abilities. From Kindle covers to cargo pants, we've been privileged to make her statement pieces that only she owns. We've been honored to share her story with you and the journey she has gone through to decolonize herself.
Growing up in a Salvadoran household, there were some things you just couldn’t miss. Univision was always playing in the background, there was always a pot of frijoles on the stove, and yes, we slept under those thick cobijas (blankets) even in the summer. But one of the most memorable staples of my upbringing wasn’t something you could see or touch. It was the way my mom spoke to me.
Like a true Salvadoran momma, she didn’t just give advice, she spoke in dichos (sayings), little phrases packed with wisdom. Sometimes I just wanted a straight answer, but that would’ve been too easy. Instead, I got life lessons wrapped in a metaphor.
Now, as a mom myself, I plan on using those same dichos. Not only are they short phrases my little ones will remember, but they’ll keep us connected to our roots. Here are three (I have more, but these are my current favorites) I’ve inherited from my mom, and what they mean to me now that I'm a mother and entrepreneur.
TODO TIENE SOLUCIÓN MENOS LA MUERTA: EVERYTHING HAS A SOLUTION EXCEPT DEATH.
My mom used to say this when I was overwhelmed with schoolwork. As a first-gen immigrant, homework help wasn’t something I had access to at home. Neither of my parents had finished elementary school, and with no WiFi, Googling answers wasn’t even an option.
When I was overwhelmed by a math problem or a writing assignment, my mom would drop this phrase. It was her way of telling me, “Take a breath. You’re smart. You’ll figure it out.” In other words: if it’s not death, it’s fixable.
Now, I find myself saying it to my son when he’s frustrated with his Legos or runs out of space while writing. I encourage him to step away, breathe, and try again. Todo tiene solución menos la muerte. A gentle reminder that even the hardest things can be worked through.
UNO PONE, DIOS DISPONE: WE PLAN, GOD FULFILLS.
This one doesn’t have a perfect English translation, but the meaning is clear: we can make all the plans in the world, but ultimately, God has the final say.
My mom is very religious, so it’s no surprise that Diosito was part of her teachings. She would use this phrase to ease my anxiety when I was feeling overwhelmed. As a first-gen student, I was constantly pushing myself: extracurricular activities, a straight-A student, athlete, mathlete, and volunteer, I had to do it all. I felt I had to do more than everyone else just to be seen.
When self-doubt crept in, my mom would remind me: Uno pone, Dios dispone. You’ve done your part, and now let go and let God. It was her way of reminding me that my worth wasn’t tied to outcomes.
I haven’t used this one much with my own kids yet since they’re just 5 and 2, but I know the time will come. When they start to question their efforts or face uncertainty, I’ll be ready with my version of the speech.
LO QUE ES TUYO NADIE TE LO PUEDE QUITAR: WHAT IS FOR YOU, NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY.
This one carried me through college. When I applied for scholarships or jobs and didn’t get them, my mom wouldn’t let me stay down for long. She’d let me be in my feelings for a day and then remind me that opportunity wasn’t mine to begin with.
She believed that what’s truly yours will always find its way to you. And now? I believe it too.
I still say this to myself, especially with running Descalza. (You all mostly see the wins, but trust me, there are plenty of closed doors behind the scenes.) Whether it’s a rejected pitch or seeing someone doing work similar to mine, I remind myself: no one can take away what’s mine. My creativity, my process, my story, they’re uniquely mine.
As you can tell, my mom fueled me with a lot of positive thinking and hope, especially in times when I felt overwhelmed. I’m thankful that she taught me how to find the silver lining in the hardest situations. In today’s world, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in all the injustices and get frustrated. I’ve learned to leverage those feelings and use them as my fuel. To keep going. To keep creating.
-Caro Arias
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Weddings are such special—and yes, sometimes stressful—moments in our lives. But there's a shift happening. More of us are focusing less on the details people will never remember and more on the ones they will. And one detail that's unforgettable? Our cultura. Whether you're marrying within your own culture or blending traditions, weaving your heritage into your big day adds meaning that lingers long after the party ends.
For me, it was all about creating a beautiful fusion of my Salvadoran roots and my husband’s Peruvian heritage. Here are five ways we made that happen.
1. DECORATIONS
Getting married in Alaska meant I had to be intentional about decorations—everything needed to be lightweight and easy to ship. But this challenge turned into an opportunity to highlight our cultures in creative ways.
2. STATIONARY
We kept our stationery minimal, focusing mainly on the invitations. I wanted them to set the tone, so we incorporated traditional embroidery motifs in bright, bold colors alongside elegant white cursive fonts. Hidden within the designs were volcanoes, torogoz, llamas, and floral patterns—subtle nods to the natural beauty of Peru and El Salvador.
3. LA VIRGENCITA & HER FLOWERS
I’ve always had a close relationship with La Virgencita, the Virgin Mary, and I still do. For me, she’s the epitome of resilience and grace. Back when I had my quince there was a special moment during my misa, church ceremony, where I prayed in front of her statue and gave her her flowers. I asked her to guide me as I transitioned into womanhood. For our misa, I had that special moment again, but this time, my now husband was by my side.
4. MY VEIL
Okay, I’m not usually one to brag, but my veil was absolutely STUNNING. I wanted something colorful yet delicate, an accessory that stood out without overwhelming my look. After searching online, I found an embroidered veil from Oaxaca that I adored—but it wouldn’t arrive in time for the wedding.
So, in true spontaneous fashion, I grabbed my two maids of honor, and we flew to Oaxaca. After some searching and a few dead ends, we stumbled upon a small shop specializing in special occasion attire. The shop owner pulled out two veils—one short, one long. The long one was perfect. The embroidery, the colors, the craftsmanship… it was everything I had dreamed of.
5. BRIDAL PARTY ATTIRE
While I didn’t make my own wedding dress, I knew I wanted Descalza to be part of the day. For my maids of honor, I wanted to make sure their outfits were going to continue to serve a purpose outside the wedding. That’s why we created two-piece outfits: they picked their own skirts, and we provided corsets that could be styled for the wedding and everyday wear. For the groomsmen, we added a Peruvian touch with aguayo fabric ties and pocket squares. The bold colors and patterns tied the entire bridal party together (pun intended).
Six months later, I still smile thinking about all the intentional details we incorporated. Sure, some things took extra time and effort, but it was worth it. Every element told a piece of our story.
And if you're wondering why we chose Alaska for our wedding, just look at the photo below. My husband and I are avid adventurers, and we wanted our wedding to be an unforgettable journey for us and our guests. For me, it was also about showing my parents a part of the world that looks nothing like El Salvador, yet is just as breathtaking.
-Caro Arias
If you’re interested in having a few pieces custom-made for your wedding, such as your bridal party attire or your table decor, feel free to email us at hola@descalza.co. And join our email community for behind-the-scenes stories, styling inspo, and access to our newest pieces.
Special shout-out to Donna Marie Photography for taking extraordinary photos on our special day. If you're ever in Alaska and need impeccable photos, we strongly encourage you to reach out to her! She's patient, creative, amazing, and is also Latina!
As a small business owner, when I think about sustainability and positive social and environmental impact, it’s intuitive for me to have it as our foundation. For me, they’re not buzzwords we want to use so we “look good”. They’re building blocks by which our ancestors lived. It’s in our culture to work with our environment and to use our business as a force for good.
ENTER B CORP.
If you look through our website or have seen our packaging you’ll notice that we’re B Corp certified. If you aren’t familiar with it, think of what fair trade is for coffee. It’s a third-party assessment that measures a company’s impact on its governance, the community, the customers, and the environment. Long story short, it’s a way to tell you and our stakeholders that we aren’t just saying we’re doing good, it’s woven into our foundation. (Read more about B Corp and its standards here).
Now that you know what B Corp is, you’ll start to recognize the certification everywhere. Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Ben & Jerry’s, Innersense, and Vital Farms are just a few of the big names. But the movement is so much bigger than that. Across the world, B Corp, both large and small, are redefining business, including in Latin America, where B Corps or Sistema B are leading the charge.
Through this journey, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and connecting with three incredible Latina entrepreneurs who are not just leading businesses—they’re creating movements. Each of these women is using their platform to challenge the status quo, uplift communities, and drive meaningful change.
MEET CAROLINA MIRANDA FROM CULTIVATING CAPITAL
Carolina and I were connected through a mutual friend back in 2021. We were privileged to work with her and her team for our certification, and currently our recertification. I was immediately drawn to her energy and her spirit not only because of our common name, her Central American roots, and her curly hair but also because of her passion for helping businesses.
Through Cultivating Capital she challenges businesses, both small and large, to be intentional with how they operate, engage in practices that advance the well-being of all lives, seek solutions that encourage collaboration and connectivity, and much more. Thanks to her work, countless businesses have successfully become B Corp certified, proving that ethical business is not just possible—it’s essential.
I asked Carolina how her heritage has influenced her work and this is what she shared.
“As a Latina immigrant, my heritage has helped me to see the challenges that marginalized communities face. This perspective has shaped how I approach sustainability - it's not just about the environment for me, but also about creating a more just society where all beings can live with dignity. This is why I chose to become a B Corp Consultant so that I can do my part to create a better world by helping people to use business as a force for good.”
I strongly encourage you to connect with Carolina if you have any questions on how to become B Corp Certified or how to weave sustainable practices into your business (click here to connect with her).
MEET AURORA ARCHER FROM THE OPT-IN
Aurora and I were first connected through the Level program - a program that connects women of color entrepreneurs and B Corp Certification consulting firms through the B Corp Certification process. When you meet her, she is someone you can’t forget. She is someone who looks at fear in the face and tells it to step aside.
Through her work at The Opt-in, Aurora is dismantling the dominant cultural patterns that hold businesses back and cultivating evolved leaders who prioritize human-centered workplaces and meaningful connections. She doesn’t just talk about change—she embodies it.
Personally, I love talking to Aurora because she always gives me the courage to be me, to be unapologetically Latina. So, I asked her how her heritage influences her approach to sustainability and creating a positive impact through her business and this is what she shared.
"My Afro-Latina heritage roots me in the wisdom of interconnection—honoring the land, our ancestors, and collective well-being. Sustainability, for me, is about building businesses that nourish people and the planet, ensuring all can thrive."
Aurora is a force and I strongly encourage you to connect with her. Learn more about her services here or how you can get her to speak at your organization.
MEET BEATRIZ ACEVEDO FROM SUMA WEALTH
I remember hearing Beatriz speak at the Champions Retreat in 2024. She did not shy away from telling the room, a room mostly comprised of white men, that Latinos cannot and should not be overlooked. We’re a young and growing population with an unmatched impact on the economy.
After her speech, I went up to her to congratulate her and tell her just how much her words meant to me as a fellow Latina business owner in that room. That moment stuck with me because Beatriz is doing more than just talking about the influence Latinos have—she’s making sure our community knows it, owns it, and wields it.
Through Suma Wealth, Beatriz and her team are breaking down barriers in financial education, making wealth-building tools accessible to the Latino community, and ensuring that our economic impact translates into generational prosperity.
I also asked Beatriz how her heritage influences her work, and this is what she shared:
“My heritage as a Latina immigrant is deeply woven into every aspect of how I build and lead businesses. In our culture, sustainability isn’t just about environmental responsibility—it’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and lifting up our communities so that we can all thrive together. At Suma Wealth, we take a holistic approach to financial sustainability, ensuring that Latinos—and anyone looking to build lasting generational wealth—have the tools, education, and access they need.
Creating a positive impact isn’t just a business goal—it’s a responsibility. Growing up, I saw firsthand how financial literacy and economic opportunity could change the trajectory of entire families. That’s why we designed Suma to be a place where our community feels seen, heard, and supported in their financial journeys.”
If you’re interested in learning more about Suma Wealth check out their website here!
BUSINESSES CAN BE PROFITABLE YET STAY TRUE TO THEIR ROOTS
As you can see B Corp has become more than a certification for us. It’s been a way to connect with Latinas whose work proves that businesses can be profitable yet stay true to their roots.
Carolina, Aurora, and Beatriz are just three women who remind us that sustainability and impact are not new concepts in our culture. They are traditions passed down by our ancestors—practices of resilience, community care, and respect for the land.
What we’re doing now is simply reclaiming that wisdom and proving that business can be a tool for justice, empowerment, and transformation.
If you’re a fellow entrepreneur or someone who shops with intention, I encourage you to connect with these women and other B Corps. They’ve been putting in the work and uplifting communities long before it was a trend.
-Caro Arias
P.S. Click here to learn more about B Lab's Level Program and join our email community for behind-the-scenes stories, styling inspo, and first access to our newest collections.
Learn how to style a colorful statement piece, like your Descalza favorite, with ease and confidence. This article helps you embrace bold fashion choices by starting simple: pair neutral basics like jeans and a white tee with one eye-catching statement piece. Focus on creating a single focal point—whether it's bold earrings, a vibrant skirt, or patterned pants—and let your style shine. As you grow comfortable, experiment with adding more color, texture, and patterns for harmonious outfits that reflect your unique personality. Remember, your style is about expressing yourself and taking up space unapologetically—porque la pena se va por la ventana.
Back in 2021 we received an email from our now friend Venus (Carla) about an order that was never received. We were embarrassed about the error and did everything we could to make up for it. Fortunately, Venus was very forgiving and this hiccup opened up the opportunity for us to get to know her more and make her some amazing statement pieces.
The poetic ode she shares with us is about how we all have a choice on how we want to represent ourselves in the world.
The sum of diversity is equal parts expression, individuality, having strong foundations of self and appreciation of your roots. My earliest memories consist of having an instinct to protect and embrace who I am, what I love and where I come from. The neat definition of Salvadoreañx-American as my nationality was never a clear definition for me. I concluded, like many first-generation American born children, that I am from here and from there, de aquí y de allá. I embrace this in between as this realization is at the crux of my identity. I continue to add to myself all the variety that life has to offer. The inevitability of me being an artist comes with it, a mercurial style; a style that I believe to be dramatic and elegant. You can feel the flair in my artwork, in my dancing, my writing and in my clothing. I proudly and humbly embrace my culture and creativity as both attributes contribute to how I choose to represent myself to the world.
I am a born and raised San Franciscan by courageous immigrant parents. I have been fortunate enough to have been exposed to many different people from all walks of life. My own personal life is as colorful as the murals that line the alleyways of the Mission District (the cultural Latinx district of San Francisco). The murals there always seem to magically appear overnight and like most beautiful things, there is often a pair of immigrant hands that are behind it. I would watch people of color in my neighborhood wear all kinds of different clothes for different occasions.
I WEAR MY CLOTHES AS A HOMAGE TO MY BIRTHPLACE
In elementary school, I was encouraged to join a West African dance group and little did I know how much of an impact this would have on me. The time came for a performance and I was dressed in a gorgeous Dashiki kaftan with a gigantic bow to match. As the African drums kept the rhythm and I danced with the women around me, I felt the spiritual significance of wearing the Dashiki dress and I have since adored all forms of dress. I wear my clothes as an homage to my birthplace and with Descalza’s scintillating designs, I finally feel as if I have a direct line to my heritage and I take these clothes and these feelings with me.
My sister is the one who originally sent me an unforgettable post from an account that she was following on social media. This post led me to Descalza’s website. My eyes sparkled! I told myself that I wanted that Lucero Voluminous High-Low Skirt and I never looked back. The rest of the clothing collection continued to fill my imagination (and my closet). I feel as if Caro and her team and her vendors are as magical as the threads that I don with the utmost love.
I CARRY THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE WHO CONTINUE TO THRIVE THROUGH CREATIVITY
No matter what the occasion: a party, a ceremony, concert, performance, vacation—I choose to be seen in these clothes. These occasions are where I feel as if I could add to the diversity in the room. I have an opportunity to have conversations with people that could potentially enrich and embellish someone’s understanding of the rest of the world. Too often are most Latinx people lumped into categories that abridges entire histories, heritages and cultures. As an artist, my work transcends the mediums and they are the embodiment of my living individual self. I feel as if I carry the spirit of a people that continue to thrive through creativity. It is through living that I know that I will be seen and most likely in the Sussoni Kimono Cardigan dancing the night away.
-Carla Milagro Castillo
If you're interested in our Lucero skirt, please visit this link. Join our email community to stay up to date with our latest stories and first access to our newest pieces.
