“The highs fuel my passion, and the lows deepen my resilience” with Miguelina Gambaccini

Miguelina Gambaccini is a New York–based designer and founder of the luxury resort-wear label Miguelina, renowned for its bohemian-luxe silhouettes crafted in-house with signature crocheted lace and sustainably sourced through female artisan cooperatives.

1. What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?

I was inspired to start Miguelina from a desire to blend my love of travel, fashion, and conscious living into a timeless, luxurious resortwear brand. I saw a gap in the market for versatile, ethically made pieces that women could effortlessly pack and wear from beach to bar, without compromising style or sustainability. My passion was to create a wardrobe that celebrates artisanal craftsmanship, empowers women, and embodies the spirit of slow, intentional living, where every piece tells a story and elevates the journey.

2. How did your early days as a founder look? Can you share one moment that tested your resilience?

The early days were a whirlwind of passion, grit, and countless lessons learned on the fly. I designed from my Soho New York apartment, hand-packed orders, and knocked on boutique doors with samples in tow. One moment that truly tested my resilience was when a major production fell through just days before a key delivery. I had to pivot quickly, find new artisans, and lean on the relationships I’d built. In that chaos, I learned that when you lead with purpose and heart, even the hardest setbacks can become the most powerful breakthroughs.

3. What’s the meaning behind your business name or brand identity?

Miguelina is not just my name, it’s a reflection of my heritage, femininity, and the spirit of individuality. I wanted the brand to feel soulful and intimate, like a signature whispered on sun-drenched linen. Our identity is rooted in effortless elegance and mindful luxury: pieces designed to move with you, tell a story, and transcend trends. It’s about celebrating the global woman, curious, confident, and forever chasing beauty in the everyday.

4. What were the first 3 things you did to build momentum in your business?

First, I focused on creating a distinct, high-quality product, resortwear that blended artisanal craftsmanship with effortless luxury. Second, I personally visited boutiques with my samples, sharing the story behind each piece and building authentic relationships. Third, I made every customer interaction personal and memorable, turning early supporters into lifelong advocates. It was slow, intentional growth rooted in purpose.

5. How did you land your first paying customer or client?

By simply showing up with passion and a vision. I walked into a boutique in SoHo with my lace pieces, introduced myself, and laid them on the counter. The owner immediately connected with the craftsmanship and story behind the brand and placed an order on the spot. That moment affirmed there was a real desire for pieces made with heart and intention.

6. What’s one “micro move” that created outsized impact in your growth journey?

Including handwritten notes with every order in the early days. It may seem small, but it turned a transaction into a connection. That personal touch built loyalty, sparked word-of-mouth, and reminded customers they weren’t just buying clothing, they were becoming part of a story.

7. How do you manage the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship?

I’ve learned to embrace the rhythm. The highs fuel my passion, and the lows deepen my resilience. I stay grounded by remembering why I started, to create beauty with purpose. Travel, nature, and time with artisans refill my creativity well. A strong support circle reminds me I’m not alone, and each challenge becomes part of the adventure, another stitch in something meaningful.

8. What does your current work-life blend look like—and how has that evolved?

Today, my work-life blend is more balanced between creativity, business, and personal time. In the beginning, I was immersed in every aspect, from design to production. Over time, I’ve learned to delegate and focus on the strategic vision. Prioritizing self-care and connection to nature fuels my creativity and keeps me aligned with our mission of conscious, sustainable living.

9. What are your favorite ways to build thought leadership in your space?

Storytelling. I love sharing the journey behind each piece, the artisans, the process, the purpose. Whether it’s on a panel, in a journal feature, or through behind-the-scenes content, I believe in leading with authenticity. Collaborating with like-minded creatives and spotlighting women-led artisan communities deepens that dialogue and brings the vision to life.

10. Can you share one risk you took that paid off in an unexpected way?

Embracing small-batch, sustainable production before it became an industry trend. It meant slower growth and higher costs at the time, but I trusted that women were craving deeper meaning in what they wear. That decision attracted a loyal, conscious community and became the foundation of long-term success.

11. What are your favorite tools or systems for staying organized and productive?

I use Trello for project management, Google Workspace to stay connected across continents, and a leather-bound planner for sketching and reflection. But my most powerful system is my morning ritual, quiet time to ground, reflect, and set intentions. That space is where the real magic unfolds.

12. What marketing channels bring you the most qualified leads?

Instagram has been key. It’s where our storytelling comes to life and where our audience connects deeply with the brand’s soul. Organic content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and real women wearing Miguelina resonate most. Collaborations with aligned influencers and intimate trunk shows also attract highly engaged, conscious clients.

13. What’s your approach to pricing your services or offers?

Our pricing is rooted in respect, for the artisans, the craftsmanship, and our conscious customer. Each piece reflects fair wages, ethical production, and small-batch quality. I don’t believe in inflated markups. When a woman invests in Miguelina, she’s investing in something built to endure with meaning and intention.

14. What does success look like for you now vs. when you started?

In the beginning, success meant getting into beautiful boutiques and seeing women fall in love with the designs. Now, it’s about impact, supporting artisans, championing sustainability, and inspiring women to live and dress with intention. Recognition is lovely, but creating something lasting and soulful is true success.

15. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a founder just starting out?

Trust your vision deeply and let it guide every decision. There will be noise and detours, but staying rooted in your why is what sets you apart. Build something with soul, not just scale. The most meaningful brands are crafted slowly, with care, passion, and a story only you can tell.

16. What legacy do you hope to leave through your business?

A legacy of beauty with purpose. I want Miguelina to show that true luxury honors the earth, uplifts the hands that create it, and empowers women to live with grace and intention. A timeless wardrobe, yes, but also a timeless way of being.

17. What can we promote for you (offer, product, launch, etc.)?

We’ve just launched our High Summer 2025 collection, a celebration of timeless, travel-inspired elegance crafted in small batches. Featuring our signature lace designs and a beautiful collaboration with Tuscan weavers Busatti, these pieces are made to journey with you. Explore the collection at miguelina.com, and enjoy 15% off your first purchase when you join our newsletter. 

We also launched our new intuitive search app. Designed with elegance, ease, and intentional living in mind; the new search functionality empowers customers to effortlessly find their perfect pieces, whether packing for a spontaneous getaway, a destination wedding, or a soul-nourishing escape.

“We wanted to create a digital experience that mirrors the way our muses live, free-spirited, discerning, and always in motion,” said Miguelina Gambaccini, Founder and Creative Director. “This intuitive search feature is about making our customer’s journey more seamless and inspiring.”

With smarter filters, tailored suggestions, and visual search capabilities, the platform now allows global nomads to browse by mood, destination, color, occasion, and even intention, whether it’s “breezy lace for a beach stroll” or “white dresses for a honeymoon under the stars.”

This launch is part of Miguelina’s ongoing vision to merge mindful technology with soulful design, inviting women to curate wardrobes that honor beauty, freedom, and sustainability, one intentional piece at a time.

18. Where can our readers/listeners find you online?

Visit www.miguelina.com for new collections, design inspiration, and styling tips. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content and travel style moments. You can also connect with me personally on LinkedIn, where I share insights on conscious fashion and entrepreneurship.