This is Luna apparel. A local apparel line for children and ladies. Luna is one of our newest lines at Presents of Mind. They are home designed, and handcrafted with an incredible price point that is hard to find anywhere else.

Luna is Karina Potestio. Born and raised in Guatemala, Karina currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and three daughters. We began carrying her line in the fall, beginning with baby booties, that were so popular, we could not keep them on the floor. We had been so excited by their popularity that we were jumping to carry more. We now carry her skirts, arm/leg warmers, head bands, baby onesies, toddler and kid shirts, and adult dresses. In the fall and winter we will ask her to bring back the popular booties that everyone loves.

You can tell her distinct styling by the applique bird with the button eye or the guitar with the finely stitched guitar strings. Karina taught herself to sew as a teenager by deconstructing her clothing to see how everything was cut and put together. Now as an adult she brings her creativity to us through her adorable and fetching designs inspired by her daughters. We are so grateful that Karina has managed to take a little time out of her extremely busy day to answer some of our nosey questions.

Meet Karina Potestio of Luna

1.     Can you tell us a little about what it was like for you growing up in Guatemala? Is it very different from growing up here in the States? For example can you compare things to how it was for your mother raising you in Guatemala to your experience raising your three girls here in the states?

My girls were exposed at a very early age to different cultures and different experiences. They also understood earlier, that their life is what they make of it. The opportunities that children have in the United States with regards to sports and different extra curricular activities not only shows the difference in strength of a country but also the freedom of movement.

2.     You mentioned in an earlier interview that your mother had sewn all of your clothes and that you began teaching yourself to sew when you were a teenager. Was it this combination of your mother’s influence and the cost of fashion today that got you interested in making your own line?

Without question it is true I was influenced by watching my mother make my clothes and I wanted my children to have hip, fun and colorful yet affordable clothing, hoping that they will eventually learn as I did.  My oldest daughter is now able to produce different sewing items (lavender pillows and birds) under the name of Little Luna, and is able to sell them and learn the value of hard work, my younger girls like to share in the money that my oldest makes, of course they love to sell at the booth and my hope is that some day they too will begin to design and produce their own products. It is fun to watch how the business has influenced my kids.

3.     Where did you come up with the name of Luna?

There is a children’s rhyme in Spanish my mom taught me when I was a little girl “Luna Luna dame pan que ya me voy a San Juan” I taught it to my daughters and it was the perfect name for my business.

4.     Aside from selling through us you can also be found almost every Saturday at the Saturday Market. Not all of our readers have visited the Market and it is a world unto itself, can you tell us a little bit about that community? Also between being a mom, and creating your clothing line and working at the markets how do you ever find any time?

You will be pleasantly surprised at the beauty of this Market! You have the opportunity to meet the artists and crafters from across the NW region that gathers each week for the Saturday/Sunday Market. It’s a challenge to balance family time and all of the time I spend sewing and at the Saturday Market. Sometimes that means staying up later than I would like, but this is a trade off for having a home business. It also helps that my husband and I take turns to be at the market.

5.     You had mentioned in an interview that the guitar and the bird are your signature pieces, can you tell us where their inspiration came from? Were they out of your first designs or do they have something extra special that makes them signature?

The little bird’s name is Luna, I love birds, and my oldest daughter inspired the guitar when she was about 4 years old and was in love with guitars. Now she is 11 and the guitar is stronger than ever!

6.     You also had mentioned that one of the best things about having your own business is that it allows you to stay home and be with your girls, but can you tell us the best thing for you about being a mom?

Watching them grow into wonderful people, and learning from my girls. But the best part is the snuggling and the random “I love you mami”.

7.     Can you tell us a little about your own mother? Do you have a favorite memory of her or an inspirational bit of advice passed down from her?

My mom is behind all of my women’s creations, even though she is in Guatemala, we talk everyday and I share my design ideas with her and she gives me the advice on how to make it happen especially making my patterns.

8.   If your daughters could learn just one thing from you what would you like that to be?

I want for them to do in life what they love!

9.     Last question, do you have any future plans for Luna?

Keep creating unique, handmade affordable clothing for families like my own.

Thank you so much Karina:  Luna.

We have more interviews coming up in the next following weeks. Join us as we count down to loving mother’s day.