Mindful Presence w/ Paola Hernández

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The Ways Dogs Can Weave Good Into Our Lives

Photo by Winnie Au

About The Episode

Growing up in Mexico City, Paola Hernández had several dogs who she and her family would play with in their backyard. The dynamic between the dogs and the family was joyful, but the dogs would only live outside in the backyard.

When she moved to New York, she met her soon-to-be husband Michael, who had a dog named Dusty. She saw how close they were - even being close inside the house and sleeping on the bed at night. While initially surprised, Paola grew to appreciate and admire the close relationship that Michael and Dusty created. Slowly but surely, her perspective on the dog and human bond started to change.

When Paola found her french bulldog, Pancho, her view about dogs changed for good. After her first year in NYC, Pancho became part of her family and went with her everywhere. He also became her constant companion while she designed clothing in her studio. Pancho not only provided a reassuring, mindful presence, but he also gave her the daily diversions of walks outside, taking breaks to enjoy nature and pay closer attention to it. This often helped her mind to reset and solve design issues within her fashion work.

He also taught her lessons around responsibility, too – making sure Pancho’s care took priority over her own desires – which would later inform and prepare her for her journey into motherhood.

Now, with two young daughters and the two dogs, they are all united as one happy family. So much so that when the older daughter draws pictures of the family, it always includes the dogs.

And during the pandemic, when isolation hit hard and the world was closed off, being together with the dogs gave them all structure and reminded them to just focus on being present and enjoy each other's company.

About The Guest - Paola Hernández

Paola Hernández is a fashion designer based in Brooklyn, New York, born and raised in Mexico City, who is inspired by motherhood, yoga, meditation, knitting, weaving, philosophy, contemporary dance, and visual art. Her work – which is currently centered around knitwear – focuses on the expansion of consciousness and the importance of sustainability and new items are released every full moon. As a designer, she has been featured in outlets such as Vogue, Elle, The New York Times, WWD, The Cut, and more.

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