Saying Selene Soucy puts her heart and soul into Corazon Sagrado Boutique in Punta de Mita might seem like a cliché. However, when you see how this Mexican artist, designer and businesswoman inspires others and supports the livelihoods of local artisans while doing what she loves, it’s clear she’s got her heart in the right place. Meet the woman behind Corazon Sagrado, a local designer brand producing women’s fashion and accessories guaranteed to be 100% made in Mexico.
Always on the Move
Coordinating an interview with Selene was no easy task. It took many attempts to schedule a time within her busy agenda. When I first tried to arrange an interview, Selene was in Barcelona. By the time she came back, I was inspecting luxury villas in the Riviera Maya. On my next attempt, she was collecting a prize for Women and Business in Toronto at the Pacific Trade Show. I finally tracked her down mid photo-shoot at the 329Bar in Bucerias, Mexico as she prepared to launch her “winter” collection.
Corazon Sagrado in Punta de Mita
Answering my eager questions between camera shots, the Mexican-born designer explained how Corazon Sagrado is more than just a beautiful boutique in Punta de Mita selling original clothing, jewelry and accessories. It is an authentic 100% made in Mexico brand dedicated to supporting women in local communities. “I am committed to fair trade and using natural fibers and materials,” shared Selene as she chose the perfect hat to complete the model’s look for the next set of photos. “I design the majority of the items we sell in the shop, although we feature some lovely jewelry and accessories from other local designers.”
Artist and Designer
As a well-travelled painter, designer and conscious businesswoman, Selene has the ideal recipe for success. She incorporates Mexico’s textile traditions including embroidery, Otomi and weaving with the country’s penchant for lively colours. “Designing clothes for Punta de Mita and the Banderas Bay region means my collection is always summer, which I love,” the designer reflected. “The warm weather and sunshine here means there’s a constant demand for lightweight stylish clothing. I like designing items women can wear to the beach and throw on next to the pool.”
100% Made in Mexico
What sets Corazon Sagrado and Selene’s work apart from her competitors is her commitment to working with small groups of women in local communities. She brings together a network of women, teaching them new skills and paying a fair price for their work. “Part of what I do is teach local women how to put a price on the things that they make. Yes, you can always haggle to get a lower price, but that is counterproductive. If you don’t pay a fair price, these communities will stop producing. Consequently, we will lose traditions that are part of our culture.”
Pacific Trade Show – Women and Business Prize
In recognition of the work Selene does with her team in Mexico, she received a prize at the Pacific Trade Show for Women in Business 2018. She attended a ceremony in Toronto in November 2018 along with other prizewinners from countries such as Chile, Colombia and Peru. “It was an amazing experience to meet other women heading their own businesses in Latin America,” Selene commented. “It was an honour to be selected.”
Look Out for Claudia
Punta de Mita Rental’s co-founder and property curator, Lisa Bruno was so impressed with Selene’s talent that she asked the designer to make dresses for our local concierge Claudia Santos. “Talking to Lisa, she wanted something that represented Mexico that was colorful and classic at the same time. I took designs from our collection and modified them to suite Claudia’s skin tone, figure and personality,” shared the designer.
Private Pop Up Markets
Finally, if you want to see Selene’s latest designs, you can head to her store in Punta de Mita on Ave. de las Redes 81 or we can arrange a private Pop Up Market Experience hosted at the villa of your choice in the area. Nothing beats browsing the wares of local artisans in the privacy of your villa.
Contact our luxury travel specialists today to book your next stay on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Originally from the UK and an avid globetrotter, Deborah has lived in Mexico for nearly 10 years, having honed a successful writing career that specializes in sassy travel, upscale interior design, classy hotels and high-end real estate. Among other projects, she collaborated with a renowned Mexican architect to pen a glossy book about the interior design and architecture of a local villa as well as produced a variety of promotional materials for luxury hotels and elite residences in Mexico.
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