October 09, 2021

[8 Things] Monica Calderon

Monica Calderon, founder of her eponymous brand told us 8 Things.

1. What's the last thing that inspired you?

My inspiration is mostly drawn from my trips where I have time to wander and explore nature's textures and rich colors. Recently, I was very inspired by the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon and the four different types of rock that form Claron Formation: limestone, siltstone, dolomite and mudstonemake.

2. How would you describe your aesthetic?

Artisanal, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant.

3. What does your daily routine look like?

I start my day at 6:00AM with my morning ritual: journaling ,yoga and celery juice! This helps me be more focused and relaxed during the day. This is followed by a quick peak at the news, e-mails and Instagram! Then I make a light breakfast for my 4 kids and drive up my youngest to school.

At 8:30AM my work schedule starts with a a morning meeting zoom call to my factory in Mexico followed by a meeting with my design team.From then on its non-stop working!

Around 6:00PM, I cook dinner for my kids and my husband. We have a formal sit down dinner with a nice cup of wine or some nights a mezcal where we all get to share about our days! Each day is different since I travel a lot back and forth to Mexico.

4. What are two hidden gems in your city?

Ritual Life in Topanga California is a beautiful place that offers experiences to assist you in connecting with your soul’s path. Also, architect Luis Barragan's house in Mexico City - it's not a hidden gem but for sure one of my favorites spots!

5. What is your favorite item in your closet right now?

A handmade caftan brand called Huach with fine linens from Merida, Yucatan, where I am currently finishing a residency artist project and my house!

6. What is the last thing you bought for your home?

Clay objects by Colectivo 1050, a clay brand made by hand in Oaxaca. Each object is intended to be as naturally beautiful, simple, and elegant as the artisans that give life to them. Traditional potters and contemporary designers collaborate to create jugs, fruit bowls, and other functional objects inspired by Oaxacan clay-making traditions and adapted to contemporary lifestyles.

This collective is part of a non profit organization called Innovando la Tradicion in Oaxaca. As a community leader with deep ties to artisans across Mexico, my philanthropic efforts includes the role of President of Organization for Huajes Valley Network in Oaxaca, Mexico - a community of artists, chefs, designers, architects, philanthropists, cultural promoters, entrepreneurs around the world that support and help the pottery communities of Oaxaca and their craft and traditions .

7. If you wouldn't be a designer [doing what you're doing] what would you be? Or would have liked to be?

A functional medicine doctor! I just graduated this week from IIN [Institute for Integrative Nutrition], a pandemic career...

8. Do you have a secret talent?

Cooking, which ironically is very related to my work. My factory is like a kitchen, and making resin products is like baking cakes! Similar process. You have a mold, you pour the resin, basically you have a recipe for every color and every design!