Fashion with a Soul: How One Woman’s Courage Created Something Meaningful

And the F WORD IS: FASHION

Fearlessly Facing Fashion as we age with Fashion designer, Karla Murguia, Founder of the Montsera Collective. Karla’s story is a masterclass in following your soul’s calling, no matter how daunting the journey might seem. From her comfortable position as a digital editor at Elle magazine in Mexico to the bold decision to start over in New York City, Karla demonstrates what happens when we choose courage over comfort.

The conversation unfolds like a vivid tapestry, revealing how Karla’s fearless spirit led her from prestigious fashion houses in Manhattan to remote villages in Chiapas, Mexico. There, she formed profound connections with indigenous women artisans who create magnificent textiles using backstrap looms—a technique they’ve learned since childhood. These artisans don’t simply create fabric; they weave their cultural identity, community markers, and ancestral symbolism into every piece.

What strikes you most about Karla’s journey is her unwavering commitment to authentic collaboration. When taxi drivers refused to take her to villages protected by armed guards, she walked alone toward uncertainty. When communication barriers arose with artisans who speak Mayan dialects, she learned key phrases to honor their culture. Rather than imposing her designs, she invites the weavers’ creative wisdom into every piece, establishing relationships built on mutual respect rather than exploitation.

The Montsera Collective represents something far more significant than beautiful clothing—it’s a bridge between worlds, a preservation of heritage, and a model for ethical fashion. As Karla’s father wisely advised her, “Burn your boats”—commit fully to your path without the safety net of retreat. Through periods of doubt and tears, she persevered, understanding that meaningful success is “a marathon, not a sprint.”

Ready to be inspired by courage in action? Listen now, and perhaps you’ll find yourself questioning: what circles in your life might open into horseshoes, creating space for unexpected magic to enter?

Connect with Karla Murguia and the Montsera Collection here