Petra de Luna's Home Collection Celebrates Mexico's Rich History

Home Away From Home is a series that spotlights BIPOC brands that are adding a cultural essence to everyday items. This allows anyone to always have a piece of their culture in their own space without ever feeling homesick or out of touch with their roots. We're exploring the stories of the individuals behind the brands that have touched people's hearts through their products and have allowed people to feel at home anywhere.

As a way to honor Mexico's rich history and culture, Petra de Luna has been working with local artisans to create beautiful, colorful, and patterned textiles across the home niche. From vibrant blankets to statement rugs, Petra de Luna creates every single product by hand, which makes each item unique on its own.

Read on to learn more about the brand's story and the design process behind all the collections from its founder, Yolanda Brionez.

What’s the Story Behind Petra de Luna?

Yolanda Brionez: One of my favorite things to do is travel. When my girls were small, we lived and traveled throughout Mexico and Central America. I never had any intention of having an e-commerce business then, but my imagination was running wild during those days.

Only years later after I graduated college did the idea of Petra de Luna come about. It started with vintage items and rugs, then, it morphed into textiles. However, we had to pivot this business a few times.

Where Did the Name Petra de Luna Come From?

YB: Petra de Luna is my paternal grandmother. She was an amazing woman who raised 10 kids primarily alone. She had a second and third grade education and could not speak English. Grandma Petra only knew how to write her name and numbers one to 10.

She worked in the fields all her life while raising kids and grandkids. She was unbelievably loving and warm, and I never questioned her love and adoration for me. She was the most consistent person in my life. There was only one name I wanted when the time came for my business.

Are There Any Specific Materials You Use for Your Products? If so, Is There a Reason Why You Use Them?

YB: We use recycled materials from the garment industry. In Mexico, the factories have leftover materials that are thrown out. Local artists collect it to create new items out of it. It’s still done, but due to the rise in textile demand, they also purchase materials for products. Specifically, we use acrylic, polyester, and cotton.

Can You Talk About How Petra de Luna Works With the Artisans and Their Stories?

YB: I met so many wonderful artists when we lived and traveled around Mexico and Central America, it was amazing. The level of craftsmanship and dedication to the traditions of their art was and continues to be one of my favorite parts.

Although I never had the intention to start a business during that time, I stayed in touch with a few artists and the ideas began to morph into something more as my business formed. Slowly, I was able to come up with designs that our artist friends could create. Our artisan partners run their own businesses and we partner with them on new creations, they are our business partners and friends.

What's Your Creative Process for Choosing Your Designs, Colors, and Shapes for Your Home Decor Items and Plant Decor?

YB: I love cultural decor. The more culture and history a piece has, the better. Therefore, I try to implement that into my designs with lots of geometric shapes and patterns, but with a simple, clean look.

What Makes Petra de Luna Unique or Different From Other Brands?

YB: I have never loved this question because I don’t have a great answer. The truth is we try to create unique designs but there are a lot of cool products out there. The one thing I pride myself in is that I absolutely love our customers.

I will give my all to make sure they are happy and well taken care of. As larger corporations remove customer service, I find it to be one of the most humane ways to connect and build trust. I miss the high-quality human interactions we once had and I refuse to accept anything less from those that support my dreams.

What Kind of Cultural Impact Does Your Brand and Products Have?

YB: Impact is important to me. Not only in what we give and donate but also in how we contribute and connect to communities. Beyond the fact that our success is also the success of our artisan community; we love that we are supporting Mexican and Indigenous businesses. Empowering communities to build their own wealth and way of life makes me proud. Freedom should be felt by all.

Why Did You Choose to Create Home Products?

YB: I have an obsession with textures like wool, sheepskin, rustic wood, and old metal. Home decor was the natural progression.

What Was Your Favorite Collection and Why?

YB: I love our 70’s Collection because I actually prefer color to neutral palettes, and I am a complete retro fan. Something about it calls to me so I always loved our 70’s collection.

How Do Your Products Add a Cultural Significance to People’s Homes?

YB: Our tribal collection is named after the Indigenous communities within Mexico; mostly Oaxaca. They have their own language, traditions, and cultures. Most people don’t realize the depth and strength of these communities.

They’ve held onto their languages, values, and cultures for centuries while facing unbelievable amounts of oppression and discrimination. They are powerful people and the strength it takes to hold onto their culture should be respected. Most people have heard of the Mayan people but it goes much deeper than that. Mexico has a damaged and broken past like all countries, but there’s also a beautiful side to history. I am Chicana, but I am honored to have roots from Mexico.

What Kind of Message/ or Feeling Do You Hope to Translate Through Your Products?

YB: Nostalgia. I hope my customers feel something deep in their souls when they see our textiles. A warm, welcoming feeling that feels like a safe haven.

Editor's note: Some answers were edited for length and clarity.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.