Creativity, Culture & Connection: Meet Katra and Her Mom
Creativity, Culture & Connection: Meet Katra and Her Mom
Tell us more about who you both are and what you do!
Katra: I’m Katra, I’m an artist at heart. I create handmade jewelry using repurposed beads and materials, and I also make art prints which I sell through my little online shop. By day, I work as a freelance content creator, supporting small brands and artisans by bringing their stories to life through photography, styling, video, and narrative. Recently, I decided to return to school to complete my degree in Visual Arts and Culture. It's been an inspiring way to deepen both my creative practice and my understanding of culture and community on a global scale.
Katra's Mom: I’m Maria, Katra’s mama! I’m a retired international flight attendant where I spent many years flying with TWA, and those experiences shaped so much of who I am. My faith has always grounded me, and I have a deep love for connecting with people from all walks of life. Traveling is still a passion that lights me up. I love my Latin heritage, and fashion and beauty—along with animals—have always had a special place in my heart.
What is a favorite memory of yours as mother/daughter?
Katra: One of my favorite mother-daughter memories is of us swimming together in the turquoise waters of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The sun was warm on our faces as we laughed and sang, spinning in circles and splashing like carefree kids. I remember closing my eyes, tilting my face to the sky, and thinking, I wish I could stay in this moment forever—just me and my mama, held by the ocean and the joy between us.
Katra's Mom: One of my favorite memories with my daughter is when we went to visit the ruins in Palenque. We stayed near the archaeological zone and got to learn about the history of the Mayan people, and then we spent time visiting throughout Chiapas.
What have you learned from one another?
Katra: I’ve learned just how strong my mama truly is—she's got such a force to keep going! I’ve always known it, but these past two years we went through one of the hardest times of her life in her journey with cancer. It was one of our hardest seasons together, but witnessing my mama remain so deep in her faith taught me a lot.
Katra's Mom: I’ve learned that when my daughter sets her mind to do something, she does it—and I am really proud of her. When she moved to NYC many years ago, I saw her determination, and my daughter gave me a lot of strength when I was going through my entire chemo process not too long ago.
How are you two different and how are you two similar?
Katra: I would say we both have always had a passion for adventure through travel and a deep love for our dogs.
Katra's Mom: We are both very expressive and love to talk to people and build relationships, yet we also really enjoy our moments of solitude—and of course have a strong desire to continue traveling.
How would you describe one another's fashion style?
Katra: Growing up, I always remember my mom dressing up in her heels, linen suits, and petal pushers—denim jackets that had beautiful stitch-work. She always had a unique handbag with beautiful woven leather and craftsmanship. She's always loved a little bit of luxury while also incorporating many hand-stitched pieces. Her style is like a mix of boho meets elegance.
Katra's Mom: Her style, in my opinion, is like a mix of bohemian but also loves to dress up at times. Before she was born, I collected pieces for her from Venice, Italy, where I spent most of my pregnancy. They were these beautiful soft cotton dresses with flowers and handmade lace.
What are your earliest memories with denim?
Katra: Sitting in my dad’s parked car at around five with my hands on the steering wheel, showing off—wearing overall jeans and a pair of my dad’s sunglasses.
Katra's Mom: When I was going to junior high, I remember I really liked my first pair of dark blue denim jeans. I wore them to school that day—I can still remember how soft and fitted they were. I felt so stylish in them walking around the schoolyard during lunch. A boy came up to me and said, “I like you more when you wear dresses.” It caught me off guard, but I was so proud wearing them—I just thought, I still look good in my jeans.