Mi Tierra: An Introduction of Latinx Heritage at Gap Inc
Kenya Barajas | Site Merchandising at Banana Republic
In honor of Latinx* Heritage Month, and in collaboration with members of HOLA (Honoring Our Latinx Ancestry), Banana Republic celebrates and amplifies the voices of our Latinx community at Gap Inc. Throughout this month, we highlight different Latinx individuals with stories and discussion on culture, family, identity and what it is like living as a Latinx in the United States. Much of Latinx culture is ingrained in connection and community, and we invite you into this space to read and to learn more.
*Latinx: of, relating to, or marked by Latin American heritage —used as a gender-neutral alternative to Latino or Latina.
Latinx. (2007). In Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Latinx
Q: What are some unique things about your upbringing and heritage that make you who you are today? What makes my upbringing unique is that I was born here and grew up here, but I also went to high school in Colima, Mexico. Having lived in Mexico it really strengthened my connection to my culture and allowed me to experience my traditions in a more authentic way. Living here, especially in the Bay Area, I have been exposed to so many cultures, sexual orientations, and different family structures. It’s been a privilege to able to see & experience the best and the worst of both worlds and decide what I wanted for myself.
Q: Tell me about how it was growing up in the United States as a Latina? Where are your parents from? What part of Mexico? Growing up here meant always being in culture shock and growing in a state of in between. My Dad always wanted us to be deeply rooted in our traditional culture while also assimilating to a new way of living. Spanish was my first and only language which was a challenge once I started school. My parents were both raised in Michoacán, Mexico in a small town where everyone knew everyone. Living and raising a child in a new city and a new country was terrifying to them so I grew up in a super strict household. My parents would tell you that I was the most rebellious opinionated daughter, but I would say it stemmed from being socialized in two different ways. The Mexican & the American didn’t always align. I wanted to follow some of these traditional norms, but I also wanted to question them and maybe break them here and there. My parents would probably say that’s me putting it kindly…
Q: How is it like being Latina in the fashion industry? What are the challenges and rewards? For me being Latina in the fashion industry means being a voice in representing 1.7 trillion in purchasing power. It also means not always feeling included in the conversation. I would say the biggest challenge & opportunity is representation. Latinx people come in all shades, shapes, and sizes and we deserve to be spoken to in a more consistent & inclusive way through marketing & product. Something as simple as language. When I see brands marketing in Spanish I understand the difference that makes in building brand loyalty. Biggest reward is having been able to collaborate and work with Latinx people at different points during my 5 years at Gap Inc. It’s encouraging and motivating to not always be the only Latinx in the room and I hope that number continues to grow.
Q: How would you describe your personal style? How do you infuse your culture in your daily life, into your style? My personal style is soft glam, with a hint of trend, and always curve embracing. The Mexican women in my life taught me you absolutely cannot leave the house without looking presentable!! I try my best to keep up with that even when working from home, although sometimes I give into an athleisure moment. I infuse my culture in my style mostly through graphic tees in Spanish and accessories made by Mexican artisans. I would say the biggest place I infuse my culture in my day to day is through food. I eat a traditional Mexican meal almost every day. Thanks mom!
Q: What does it mean being a Mexican American? In the general sense and living in California it means I am never too far from my Mexican heritage, it’s all around me. As a daughter of immigrants, it means being aware of how much my culture isn’t always welcome and how that affects my community. On a personal level, it means making the most of the opportunities I have because I know the sacrifices my parents made for me to have them.
Q: If you give you 14-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes while always remaining true to yourself. Trust that years from now you will be stronger and better for it.
Kenya Barajas | Site Merchandising at Banana Republic
In honor of Latinx* Heritage Month, and in collaboration with members of HOLA (Honoring Our Latinx Ancestry), Banana Republic celebrates and amplifies the voices of our Latinx community at Gap Inc. Throughout this month, we highlight different Latinx individuals with stories and discussion on culture, family, identity and what it is like living as a Latinx in the United States. Much of Latinx culture is ingrained in connection and community, and we invite you into this space to read and to learn more.
*Latinx: of, relating to, or marked by Latin American heritage —used as a gender-neutral alternative to Latino or Latina.
Latinx. (2007). In Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Latinx
Q: What are some unique things about your upbringing and heritage that make you who you are today? What makes my upbringing unique is that I was born here and grew up here, but I also went to high school in Colima, Mexico. Having lived in Mexico it really strengthened my connection to my culture and allowed me to experience my traditions in a more authentic way. Living here, especially in the Bay Area, I have been exposed to so many cultures, sexual orientations, and different family structures. It’s been a privilege to able to see & experience the best and the worst of both worlds and decide what I wanted for myself.
Q: Tell me about how it was growing up in the United States as a Latina? Where are your parents from? What part of Mexico? Growing up here meant always being in culture shock and growing in a state of in between. My Dad always wanted us to be deeply rooted in our traditional culture while also assimilating to a new way of living. Spanish was my first and only language which was a challenge once I started school. My parents were both raised in Michoacán, Mexico in a small town where everyone knew everyone. Living and raising a child in a new city and a new country was terrifying to them so I grew up in a super strict household. My parents would tell you that I was the most rebellious opinionated daughter, but I would say it stemmed from being socialized in two different ways. The Mexican & the American didn’t always align. I wanted to follow some of these traditional norms, but I also wanted to question them and maybe break them here and there. My parents would probably say that’s me putting it kindly…
Q: How is it like being Latina in the fashion industry? What are the challenges and rewards? For me being Latina in the fashion industry means being a voice in representing 1.7 trillion in purchasing power. It also means not always feeling included in the conversation. I would say the biggest challenge & opportunity is representation. Latinx people come in all shades, shapes, and sizes and we deserve to be spoken to in a more consistent & inclusive way through marketing & product. Something as simple as language. When I see brands marketing in Spanish I understand the difference that makes in building brand loyalty. Biggest reward is having been able to collaborate and work with Latinx people at different points during my 5 years at Gap Inc. It’s encouraging and motivating to not always be the only Latinx in the room and I hope that number continues to grow.
Q: How would you describe your personal style? How do you infuse your culture in your daily life, into your style? My personal style is soft glam, with a hint of trend, and always curve embracing. The Mexican women in my life taught me you absolutely cannot leave the house without looking presentable!! I try my best to keep up with that even when working from home, although sometimes I give into an athleisure moment. I infuse my culture in my style mostly through graphic tees in Spanish and accessories made by Mexican artisans. I would say the biggest place I infuse my culture in my day to day is through food. I eat a traditional Mexican meal almost every day. Thanks mom!
Q: What does it mean being a Mexican American? In the general sense and living in California it means I am never too far from my Mexican heritage, it’s all around me. As a daughter of immigrants, it means being aware of how much my culture isn’t always welcome and how that affects my community. On a personal level, it means making the most of the opportunities I have because I know the sacrifices my parents made for me to have them.
Q: If you give you 14-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes while always remaining true to yourself. Trust that years from now you will be stronger and better for it.
