We sat down with needlework designer Mariana Barran Goodall for a glimpse into her beautifully curated world and balanced beauty philosophy. If you're looking for the perfect touch of elegant whimsy to add to your home, look no further than her beautiful brand, Hibiscus Linens. The Mexican designer is passionate about preserving old-world stitching methods, and is an expert at creating true pieces of art through heritage textiles. As the brand was born out of her love for entertaining, it comes as no surprise that she also happens to own the beautiful Hotel Amparo in San Miguel de Allende, where she puts her spirit of hospitality into play. Read along to hear about her favorite pieces (you'll fall in love with her perfectly giftable cocktail napkins), the meditative practice of embroidery, and, of course, the beauty secrets she swears by.
What is your hometown, and where do you live today?
I am from Monterrey, Mexico and I spend my time in between Houston, TX where Hibiscus Linens is and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where Hotel Amparo is located at.
Please tell us a bit about your work and the mission of Hibiscus Linens. How did the brand come to be?
The brand happened after I realized we could bring a little bit of joy to everyone’s life with hand embroidered details and gifts.
The brand happened after I realized we could bring a little bit of joy to everyone’s life with hand embroidered details and gifts.
Can you tell us about the namesake?
I believe everything we make at Hibiscus Linens is meant for entertaining. It might be for you to gift your host or to celebrate at home with close friends. Whatever it is, its meant to entertain. Growing up, my mom would always serve Hibiscus water whenever we were expecting guests and it became a beautiful way for us to acknowledge that they were here and that we were happy they were visiting us.
What are three pieces from Hibiscus that everyone needs?
A cocktail napkin, to set up with your water in your night stand, a personalized hand embroidered t-shirt to celebrate everyday life, and an embroidered kit for you to do a little stitching meditation practice at home.
With people spending more time at home than ever before, I feel as though your creations are even more needed as they truly help to create beautiful domestic moments. You’ve also expanded into creating the most lovely face masks. What have your customers been looking for the most this year?
Small, happy gifts to brighten someone else’s day, lots of little bookmarks, sets of 4 cocktail napkins in happy colors, or the staple of last year was actually hand towels with little notes like “Wash your hands.”
In a few words, how do you define your approach to beauty?
Do what works for you and makes you feel good.
How have your Mexican roots influenced your beauty philosophy?
I love homemade treatments, and believe in the power of Olive Oil and Aloe Vera, among other [ingredients].
Any inherited beauty practices you picked up from your family or your roots along the way?
Yes - [I learned to] sleep with my hair braided and covered in Olive Oil mix at least once a month for a very hydrated look.
What are the highlights of your skincare routine? The products or steps that are non-negotiables?
I think Hydration and sunblock are the most important steps, usually I don’t do makeup so making sure there is a nice glow is very important to me. Drinking plenty of water daily is a non-negotiable to make your skin look the best, I usually wash my face, add some oil, serum, hydrating cream which I change with the season and sunblock.
Do you have any DIY home beauty or wellness remedies that you swear by?
I do, I don’t practice them as often as I should but I would say:
- I love doing an at home body scrub with grounded coffee and oil.
- I like to drink about 3 or 4 times weekly a ginger tea with lemon and honey, it has anti inflammatory properties and it helps de-bloat your face and under eye bags.
Tell us about your favorite beauty destination - spa, store, practitioner?
I love to get a massage in the rooftop at Hotel Amparo in San Miguel de Allende, you can have a conversation in advance of what you are looking for and they cater your massage and face treatment to whatever you need, the open space, the sound of the fountain and little birds makes it more relaxing that I could ever imagine.
What is your favorite way to stay active?
Walking. It helps me get off of my phone, and to just enjoy how the flowers and plants bloom all around my neighborhood.
What do you do to unwind after a long day of managing your business?
I drink ginger tea, and sit in our backyard with our puppies, at home we love to cook, so adding a nice hearty meal always helps me unwind.
Favorite self-care or mindfulness ritual?
Remembering that you need to be good with yourself and by yourself to be able to be good for others. For me taking a little bit longer to get ready in the morning and drink my coffee. Do a morning walk and enjoy the colors in the greenery, all of these makes my days a little bit better.
Remembering that you need to be good with yourself and by yourself to be able to be good for others.
Favorite escape in Latin America?
San Miguel de Allende.
