Two years ago, I came closer to quitting La Sierra than I ever had before.

From the outside, things looked like they were working. But inside, I was teetering on the edge of burnout—completely depleted and not even fully aware of it. I had lost all motivation, all passion. I was running my business on empty, out of touch with my "why," and with nothing left to give.

Instead of walking away completely, I made a radical decision. I handed the day-to-day reins of my store to René (normally in charge of logistics in South America) and moved across the world to Barcelona, Spain.

What followed was a deep unraveling.

Almost immediately after arriving, my body gave out. I was sick for a full month, finally forced to feel the consequences of years spent pushing myself past the limit. I reached out for help—but the mentor I needed wouldn’t be available for months. And somehow, that felt like my sign. It was time to stop. To rest. To slow all the way down.

And let me be clear: it wasn’t easy.

What sounds like a dream—doing less, resting, softening—was actually a fight. I didn’t realise how deeply my self-worth had become entangled with how productive I was being, what I was creating, and how much I was earning. Letting go of those metrics felt terrifying.

But over time, solitude became a balm. With no fixed plans, no pressure to perform, and no one to please, I began waking without an alarm and letting my body lead. I gave myself permission to do only the bare minimum. I started spending time just being.

And slowly, something shifted.

From that place of deep rest, I began to feel my natural rhythms return. For the first time in years, I felt fully connected to myself. My nervous system softened. My creativity returned—not as a frantic drive to produce, but as a quiet whisper of inspiration.

I began to re-lay the foundations—not only in myself, but in my brand. I asked myself: how do our products make me feel? What do I want to stand for? What do I want La Sierra to be an advocate for?

The answers were clear.

We are all connected: to ourselves, to each other, and to the natural world. Somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten that. But our products can serve as a gentle reminder. A way to slow down. To connect.

From this renewed sense of purpose, the idea for our new collection began to form.

I started working with a new product developer, Claudia, in Spain. We would work together in the boiling hot summer of July and August, creating each design side by side. In between bursts of inspiration, we would chat, eat, take naps, and enjoy the slow-paced creation process—infusing our shared values into every stage.

Eventually, it came time to leave Barcelona and take the next step—heading to Peru. It was my first time there without René, who usually helps with the language and navigates the journey with me. This time, I travelled with my assistant Dulce. It was the most incredible experience: for the first time, I was able to fully navigate our production process on my own.

My Spanish wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. I could communicate what I needed and, more importantly, connect. To sit and speak directly with the artisans—without an intermediary—was deeply fulfilling. It lit an even stronger fire in me to share the incredible work they do and the faces behind every piece we create.

Introducing 'Slow'

An ode to slow days and cherishing life’s simple pleasures, our ‘Slow’ collection features intentionally crafted pieces designed to wrap you in soft, natural comfort and timeless style. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee, strolling through nature, or sharing warm moments with loved ones, each piece is thoughtfully designed to allow your simplest moments to feel truly luxurious.

With a blend of sleek and lofty yarns in soothing earthy tones, this collection offers both versatility and longevity. Every design honours the artisans who create it, and respects the natural world, ensuring that each wear is as meaningful as it is beautiful.

I want these pieces to make you feel stylish, comfortable, warm, and grounded in your everyday rituals. Not just for special occasions, but for real life: slow mornings, nature walks, quality time with loved ones, quiet evenings, and everything in between. I want these pieces to be a cherished part of your wardrobe and home for many years to come…Not just for special occasions, but for real life: slow mornings, quiet evenings, and everything in between.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re in a season of life where you’re craving more rest, more ease, or more connection, I hope this story resonates with you.

Let it be a reminder that slowing down isn’t lazy—it’s revolutionary. And the pieces we wear can support that shift. They can remind us to return to ourselves, to savour the small things, and to live life with intention.

From my heart to yours, Sophia